Former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Lanre Ogundipe, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an ill-advised decision that could destabilize the country.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday, Ogundipe stressed that suspending the state governor and lawmakers while appointing a retired military officer as administrator was not the best solution to the crisis. He argued that the president should have explored political means to restore order rather than resorting to drastic executive action.
He further cautioned that such a move in a volatile region like the Niger Delta could plunge the country into deeper economic turmoil. The former NUJ leader emphasized that Rivers State plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s oil production, and any instability there could have far-reaching consequences.
“State of emergency! Mr. President, should we not count the cost before a proclamation was tinkered? It is not the best solution in the circumstances,” Ogundipe stated, urging Tinubu to use his influence to restore peace without fear or favor.
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He warned that if the crisis escalates, it could undermine the achievements of the administration. He also expressed concern that suspending democracy in a state could send the wrong message about governance in Nigeria.
“For now, the nation cannot afford too many crises on its hands. Areas that require such a declaration are the northern parts of the country, where thousands of soldiers are still battling insurgencies,” he noted.
Ogundipe also called for the removal of a minister he believes is fueling the crisis, stressing that the individual should not be allowed to remain in office while the state suffers political instability.
“The Fourth Republic must not go the way of Wild! Wild West. The crisis started like this in 1962 before it snowballed,” he warned, urging Tinubu to reverse the decision before it leads to further unrest.
Crediblenewsng.com
