Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has criticized President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, asserting it undermines democracy and benefits political ally Nyesom Wike. He argues this reflects broader issues of impunity and a disregard for the electorate’s will, urging Nigerians to awaken and resist such erosions of democracy.
Human rights activist and political commentator Omoyele Sowore has publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu, asserting that he has sacrificed Rivers State—one of Nigeria’s wealthiest regions—as a political maneuver to reward his ally, Nyesom Wike. Sowore contends that this action disregards the will of the state’s electorate and constitutes an affront to democracy.
Sowore voiced his concerns during a recent interview on Channels TV, describing the President’s declaration of a state of emergency as tantamount to anarchy. He argued that Tinubu’s decision to remove a democratically elected governor and replace him with a sole administrator exemplifies a dangerous precedent of impunity in governance.
He accused President Tinubu of utilizing Wike’s assistance in his electoral success to impose his authority on Rivers State. Sowore alleges that the ruling party’s interests lie in controlling the state’s finances and manipulating future elections rather than serving the populace’s needs.
Furthermore, Sowore expressed alarm over the potential for undemocratic actions to go unchallenged in Nigeria. He highlighted the alarming trend of the ruling elite disregarding the democratic process whenever it suits their agenda, particularly the imposition of a sole administrator without proper legislative approval.
Sowore argued that the National Assembly is unlikely to intervene meaningfully, predicting that lawmakers will merely endorse these measures. He urged Nigerians to awaken from their complacency, emphasizing the importance of collective action against such erosions of democracy.
He reflected on the broader implications for Nigeria’s progression when those in power undermine democratic principles, encouraging citizens to rise against what he viewed as a systematic destruction of democratic values and accountability.
In his remarks, Sowore criticized the role of Nigeria’s Attorney General, attributing a lack of accountability to a culture of defiance of democratic norms fostered within that office. He underscored the need for scrutiny of the judicial branch, positing that legal advice often facilitates undemocratic actions.
Despite accusations of promoting anarchy, Sowore maintained that actual anarchy arises from government actions that undermine elected officials and deploy military force against them. He concluded that addressing these issues should take precedence over reactive measures.
Finally, he reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria’s democracy faces serious threats, stressing that speaking truthfully about these challenges does not constitute anarchy but rather a necessary discourse on preserving democratic values.
In summary, Omoyele Sowore’s critique of President Bola Tinubu centers around the alarming unilateral actions taken in Rivers State, which he claims undermines democratic principles and fosters a culture of impunity. Sowore calls for increased awareness and collective action from Nigerians to reclaim and protect their democracy. He emphasizes the role of government leaders in eroding accountability while insisting that true anarchy arises from government intervention against elected officials rather than opposition commentary.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
