Renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, questioning why a similar measure was not taken in Lagos during the political turmoil involving Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Speaking on Channels Television, Utomi argued that the crisis in Rivers did not warrant such drastic action, especially since previous militant activities, including pipeline vandalism, did not lead to emergency rule in the past.
“What exactly is the justification for a state of emergency in Rivers?” he asked. “When militants were blowing up pipelines like popcorn, was there an emergency? Why not declare one in Lagos when the Assembly was in chaos? This is about fairness, equity, and basic decency.”
President Tinubu, in a national broadcast on March 18, 2024, cited political instability and security threats as reasons for his decision, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected lawmakers in Rivers. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed to oversee the state’s affairs.
Utomi, however, accused the National Assembly of enabling executive overreach by endorsing the move, calling it an insult to Nigerians and a dangerous precedent for democracy.
