Afenifere has condemned President Tinubu and the National Assembly for desecrating the 1999 Constitution with the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. The group warns that Nigeria’s democracy is at risk of executive hijack. Read the full story here!
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly over their endorsement of a state of emergency in Rivers State, declaring that their actions amount to a brazen desecration of the 1999 Constitution.
The group did not mince words in its communiqué issued at the end of its National Caucus meeting, held at the residence of its former leader, the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, in Ogun State. Afenifere insisted that the move by Tinubu and the National Assembly was unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a slap in the face of Nigerians.
“A National Embarrassment” – Afenifere
In a strongly worded statement signed by Afenifere’s Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, the group condemned the lack of courage displayed by lawmakers, stating that the 10th Assembly has failed in its responsibility to defend democracy.
“Contrary to the expectations of Nigerians but in a manner consistent with its proven character, the 10th Assembly in both chambers not only joined hands with the President in further desecrating the tenuous 1999 Constitution but also demonstrated lack of courage to defend the democratic rights of the people of Nigeria,” the communiqué read.
Afenifere emphasized that the use of a voice vote to approve the emergency rule in Rivers State was an intentional move to obscure compliance with constitutional requirements.
“That the resort to voice votes obscuring compliance with the constitution on the required number to deal with such a matter of monumental national importance is an ill-wind that blows the nation no good and spits on the faces of Nigerians,” Afenifere stated.
Afenifere Demands Senate Leadership to Step Down
Beyond criticizing the National Assembly’s alleged failure to uphold the constitution, Afenifere called for the resignation of the current leadership of the National Assembly, arguing that their actions have decimated the integrity of the Senate and House of Representatives.
“Without recourse to other acts of persistent violation of their oaths of office, Afenifere calls on the present leadership of the National Assembly to step aside in the interest of decency, integrity, and respect for the principles of separation of powers on which our democracy lies.”
The group also questioned the legitimacy of the recent vote of confidence passed on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing it as an “admission of a crisis of trust”.
“By these very acts, a new gambit has emerged – the crisis of Nigerian constitutionalism, where both the horizontal principle of separation of powers and the vertical principles of federalism are all undemocratically usurped by the all-powerful executive.”
“This Is How Hitler Hijacked Democracy” – Afenifere Warns of Dangerous Precedent
Perhaps the most damning part of Afenifere’s statement was its comparison of Tinubu’s actions to Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in Nazi Germany. The group suggested that Nigeria’s democracy is at risk of being completely hijacked if the executive arm of government continues to act unchecked.
“This is the same way Hitler hijacked the German democracy,” the statement warned.
Afenifere’s strong rebuke has reignited the debate on whether President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State was justified or a dangerous abuse of power.
A Growing Rift in Nigerian Politics
With opposition mounting against Tinubu’s emergency rule, political analysts are warning that this crisis could deepen existing divisions in the country. Afenifere’s condemnation adds to the growing chorus of critics who believe Nigeria’s democracy is under threat.
Whether the National Assembly will respond to Afenifere’s calls for accountability remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the controversy surrounding the Rivers State emergency rule is far from over. Source – Vanguard Newspaper
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