Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has taken a firm stand against President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a blatant overreach of executive power.
In the latest edition of his biweekly newsletter, The Business of Governance, released on Thursday evening, Makinde openly criticized Tinubu’s move as illegal a direct rebuke of the president’s decision to suspend Governor Similayi Fubara from office.
The shockwave of Tinubu’s declaration on the 18th of March, 2025, didn’t stop with Fubara’s removal. His deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the entire House of Assembly were also ousted, with a six-month suspension placed on the state’s executive and legislative arms.
In their place, the president installed retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas as Rivers State’s sole administrator an unprecedented maneuver that has sparked national outrage.
Makinde minced no words in his reaction, urging Nigerians to reject this political strong-arming.
“All well-meaning Nigerians must condemn the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government. This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity, and justice. Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with, no matter our personal feelings and loyalties.”
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The Oyo governor emphasized the importance of holding leaders accountable, stating, “As our democracy grows and unfolds, we must also be willing to speak up when we see anything that threatens our development as a nation. We must choose to stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone.”
While denouncing the president’s actions, Makinde lauded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for demonstrating resilience and leadership in the face of what he perceives as an abuse of power.
He affirmed that the PDP Governors’ Forum is not taking the matter lightly, revealing that they have decided to challenge the president’s decision in court.
With tensions high and legal battles looming, the unfolding drama in Rivers State could set a defining precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.