The Presidency has downplayed the criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and former President Goodluck Jonathan, stating that their views are personal and do not override constitutional authority.
In a statement on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, acknowledged Soyinka and Jonathan as respected statesmen but insisted that Tinubu acted within his constitutional powers.
“Professor Wole Soyinka and former President Goodluck Jonathan are respected statesmen. Like many Nigerians, they have expressed their opinions on the President’s decision. However, the President has a duty to govern the country and ensure that no part of Nigeria descends into chaos,” Ajayi said.
Tinubu Acting on Supreme Court’s Position
Defending the President’s action, Ajayi cited the Supreme Court’s ruling, which he claimed recognized that there was no functioning government in Rivers State as defined by the constitution
“The Supreme Court ruled that there is no functioning government in Rivers State known to the constitution of Nigeria. President Tinubu won’t fail in his sacred duty to protect and preserve the country,” he added.
Presidency: National Stability Comes First
The Tinubu administration has maintained that the state of emergency in Rivers was necessary to prevent further political unrest. The crisis in the state has been a source of national concern, with deep divisions within the political structure.
While Soyinka and Jonathan have voiced their concerns over the move, the Presidency insists that ensuring national stability is paramount and that the decision aligns with Tinubu’s constitutional mandate.
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