In a conversation with The Sun, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, who heads the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), voiced strong disapproval over the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State and what he referred to as the unconstitutional removal of the governor by President Bola Tinubu. He warned that this move could undermine the foundations of Nigeria’s democratic system.
Charanchi expressed disbelief that a democratically elected governor—chosen by a significant number of voters—could be ousted based on a directive originating from the nation’s capital without local consultation or due process.
“How can someone who may not even be familiar with parts of Rivers State just issue an order from Abuja and effectively remove a governor supported by over a million constituents?” he asked, highlighting the disconnect between federal authority and local governance.
He further asserted that there was no legal justification for such an action, suggesting it was driven by political interests. He implied the real issue was the governor’s strained relationship with ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, rather than any legitimate constitutional concern.
Charanchi warned that the incident pointed to a dangerous trend where public officials are pressured to demonstrate loyalty to influential figures within the central government, rather than uphold their duty to the public.
In his view, if any part of the country truly warranted emergency intervention, it would be conflict-ridden regions like the North-East or North-West, where insecurity has taken a devastating toll on lives and livelihoods.
He noted that the South-South, in contrast, had enjoyed a period of comparative calm, with problems such as oil pipeline destruction significantly curtailed in recent years.
Nonetheless, he lamented that this latest intrusion into local politics had shattered the fragile peace in Rivers State, potentially reigniting tensions in a region that had been moving toward stability.
Hear him speak: “There are so many unconstitutional things that are happening under this government. We have seen a situation where Mr. President decided to suspend an elected governor. Who is going to suspend the president so that we witness peace in North-West, North-East, North Central, South-South, South-East and South-West?”
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