Professor Pat Utomi has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that there was no justification for such a move.
President Tinubu had cited militant attacks on pipelines and the state’s political situation as reasons for the declaration.
However, Prof. Utomi countered that the political crisis in Rivers did not warrant emergency rule, pointing out that even when militants were blowing up pipelines during the previous administration, the state was not subjected to emergency rule.
Utomi also questioned the president’s selective application of emergency rule, asking why a similar declaration was not made in Lagos State during a crisis involving the state’s House of Assembly. “What is the problem in Rivers State that warranted a state of emergency? Why Rivers? There’s something about fairness, equity, and pure decency that’s missing here.”
Furthermore, Prof. Utomi condemned the National Assembly’s endorsement of the president’s declaration, calling it an insult to Nigerians. His criticism highlights concerns about the potential undermining of democracy and the rule of law in the country.
