Atiku Hits Tinubu Over Rivers Crisis, Calls Suspension ‘Dictatorship’

 

 

Atiku Hits Tinubu Over Rivers Crisis, Calls Suspension ‘Dictatorship’

Ex-VP says President acted without constitutional powers

 

Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the suspension and reinstatement of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly.

 

Atiku, in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle yesterday, described the actions as unconstitutional and a confirmation of what he called the dictatorial posture of the Tinubu administration.

 

He said: “Lifting the suspension of Governor Simi Fubara is nothing to cheer about. The suspension of the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly was unconstitutional when it was done six months ago and is still illegal today. President Tinubu had no power to suspend a democratically elected governor and state lawmakers. The Rivers shenanigans only signpost the dictatorship of the Tinubu administration.”

 

President Tinubu on Wednesday announced the end of the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State in March 2025 following a prolonged standoff between Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly.

 

According to the President, the suspension was necessary at the time to stabilise governance in the state. He, however, said fresh intelligence reports indicated that stakeholders in Rivers had now demonstrated “a new spirit of understanding and readiness” to restore peace and order.

 

Tinubu, in his address, expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for backing the emergency declaration, as well as traditional rulers and residents of the state for their patience during the period of uncertainty.

 

With the lifting of the emergency, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers Assembly are to resume their official duties from September 18.

 

The President urged governors and lawmakers across the country to avoid needless conflicts and prioritise peace, stability, and good governance in order to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

 

The development has since sparked debate across political circles, with Atiku insisting the entire process was a constitutional breach, while Tinubu’s supporters describe the lifting of the emergency as a step toward reconciliation and normalcy in Rivers State.