President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers has sparked backlash, as critics recall his past opposition to similar moves by Obasanjo and Jonathan. Social media users accuse him of hypocrisy, while others defend his decision. The political fallout intensifies as the House of Representatives prepares to debate the declaration.
President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has drawn sharp criticism, with many recalling his past condemnation of similar actions by former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
On Tuesday, Tinubu suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly, appointing retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state administrator. While Tinubu assured that the judiciary remains unaffected, his move has reignited debates over executive overreach.
Critics highlight Tinubu’s strong opposition to Obasanjo’s 2004 emergency rule in Plateau and his harsh criticism of Jonathan’s 2013 intervention in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa. Tinubu had then called such measures unconstitutional and an assault on Nigeria’s federal structure.
Now, Nigerians on social media are accusing Tinubu of hypocrisy. One post recalled how he had previously called emergency rule illegal, while another pointed out that he had also opposed fuel subsidy removal in 2012, only to implement it immediately upon taking office.
Others, however, argue that circumstances differ, noting that the political and security situations are not the same as they were in the past.
With the House of Representatives set to debate Tinubu’s emergency rule, the political fallout continues to escalate.
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