Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a politically motivated maneuver that undermines democracy and national stability.
In a statement issued from Abuja on March 18, 2025, Atiku condemned President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the crisis, accusing him of being a vested partisan actor in the ongoing political turmoil. He argued that President Tinubu’s refusal or negligence in preventing the escalation of tensions in Rivers State is both deliberate and disgraceful.
“Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that President Bola Tinubu has been deeply involved in the political unrest in Rivers. His administration’s failure to de-escalate the situation speaks volumes about his intent,” Atiku stated.
Beyond the political intrigues, Atiku highlighted the alarming security breaches that have resulted in the destruction of national infrastructure within the state. He laid full responsibility at the feet of the President, asserting that Tinubu cannot absolve himself of the disorder his government has either enabled or failed to prevent.
“It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability. This reckless approach has undone the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua,” he added.
Atiku further emphasized that any compromise of federal infrastructure in Rivers State is a direct indictment of the President’s leadership. He condemned the use of emergency rule as a tool for political gamesmanship, warning that punishing the people of Rivers for conflicts instigated by Tinubu’s allies in the federal government is an attack on democracy.
“The imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is nothing more than an assault on democratic principles and must be condemned in the strongest terms,” he declared.
Atiku Abubakar, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine the democratic process in the country.
