Elder Asu Beks, leader of the Ijaw Media Forum, has opposed President Bola Tinubu’s recent actions in Rivers State, describing them as unconstitutional and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic system, in an interview with DAILY POST.
He denounced the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, which reportedly led to the removal of the governor, deputy governor, and members of the state House of Assembly.
According to him, the Nigerian Constitution does not permit such interference with democratically elected state officials.
Beks likened Tinubu’s actions to a civilian version of a coup, arguing that ousting all elected leaders in a state mirrors military-era governance.
He described the situation as one of the most serious threats to democracy under Tinubu’s leadership.
He also expressed disappointment over Tinubu’s shift in principles, recalling the president’s past as a pro-democracy figure during the era of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), when he stood against military dictatorship.
Beks believes Tinubu is now engaging in the same undemocratic practices he once opposed.
Beks stated that if the emergency rule is not reversed by June 12 (Nigeria’s Democracy Day) then any public address from the president on that occasion would be meaningless.
He dismissed the newly installed caretaker administration in Rivers State as illegitimate and claimed it does not reflect the will of the people.
He further criticised the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, for failing to respond promptly to legal challenges brought by governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He expressed concern over the delay in the court’s handling of the matter and accused the judiciary of siding with the executive.
He argued that cases of this nature should be resolved swiftly but suspects the Supreme Court’s inaction may be due to undue influence from the presidency and key political figures.
Beks questioned how such sweeping changes in Rivers State could occur without legal consequences and warned that the silence from the judiciary only strengthens fears of democratic backsliding.
“What we have seen now is a military coup; a military government in Rivers State. The governors have gone to the court, and because our Supreme Court has become political, such matters should be heard within two, three weeks. Some PDP governors have gone to court, so why is the Supreme Court delaying the matter? Why are you delaying? That is a suit that should get expeditious attention. It is probably because the Supreme Court is in the pocket of the president and the pocket of Wike,” he said.
