Key Points

• A coalition led by Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai calls for the National Assembly to reject Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers officials.
• The coalition argues that Tinubu’s actions violate the Nigerian constitution and undermine democracy.
• The coalition insists that even if valid, the emergency declaration requires approval from the National Assembly.

A group of political leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, have formed a coalition to oppose President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend elected officials in Rivers State.

The coalition is calling on the National Assembly to reject Tinubu’s actions and is asking the judiciary to strike down the suspension.

Coalition calls Tinubu’s actions illegal

At a press conference on Thursday, Atiku described Tinubu’s actions as illegal and unconstitutional.

He said the president violated the law by misusing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare a state of emergency. Atiku stressed that the president cannot suspend elected officials without legal grounds.

El-Rufai, Labour Party spokesperson Yunusa Tanko, and former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha joined Atiku.

They argued that Tinubu’s emergency declaration does not meet the legal requirements. Atiku pointed out that Section 305 only allows the president to declare an emergency in extreme cases, such as threats to national security or public safety.

Legal concerns and actions

The coalition also explained that if Tinubu’s declaration was valid, the National Assembly must approve it.

They need at least 72 Senators and 240 House members to vote in favor. If this approval isn’t given, the declaration will end automatically.

What happened in Rivers

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. He suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected lawmakers in the state for six months.

Tinubu appointed Ibok-Étè Ibas, a retired vice admiral, as the new administrator for the state. Tinubu said violence, including explosions and pipeline damage, prompted the emergency.