Makinde, who Endorsed Tinubu for Nigeria’s democracy in 2023, now Disagrees after State of Emergency in Rivers

In his biweekly newsletter, ‘The Business of Governance,’ published on Thursday under the subject “Stand Up, Even If You Stand Alone,” Makinde described the president’s actions as illegal and intolerable.

Recalled, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, which included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly members for six months. Following this, the president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

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Makinde stated that the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government should be condemned by all “right-thinking members” of society. He emphasised the importance of upholding democratic principles, regardless of personal opinions or affiliations. He noted that as democracy evolves, it is crucial to address actions that may threaten national development.

“As our democracy grows and unfolds,” Makinde said, “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.

“This is why I stand today to say that the declaration of the State of Emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of the executive and legislative arms of government by the presidency is an illegality that right-thinking members of society must oppose.

“Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with no matter our personal feelings and loyalties. This is the time to take a stand for fairness, equity and justice. And I am glad that our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is demonstrating the needed strength and leadership.”

Makinde acknowledged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its response to the situation and mentioned that the PDP Governors’ Forum has decided to challenge the president’s actions in court.

“Yesterday, the PDP Governors’ Forum rose from an emergency meeting where we unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a court of competent jurisdiction. We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon.”

Meanwhile, Makinde was among the supporters of Tinubu who drummed support for his presidency in 2023. Several reports have revealed how the Oyo State Governor delivered his polling unit to the President and confirmed his reason for supporting Tinubu (APC) despite being a PDP member.

In an article published by the Nigerian Tribune, Makinde in 2023 indirectly expressed his trust in President Tinubu as the one who “would reposition the landscape of Nigeria’s democracy now and not at future elections.”

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