Sowore Reflects on Tinubu’s Past Opposition to State of Emergency in Lagos Amid Rivers Declaration

Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), recently criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an abuse of power. This declaration led to the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and state legislators for six months due to ongoing political tensions in the state.

In an interview with Arise News, Sowore recalled an earlier incident from Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State governor. He pointed out that when former President Olusegun Obasanjo considered declaring a state of emergency in Lagos, Tinubu firmly opposed the idea.

“This same President Tinubu, back when he was Lagos governor, told President Obasanjo that if he declared a state of emergency in Lagos, it would mean the end of democracy,” Sowore said. “This could be a very dangerous situation for democracy.”

Sowore’s comments highlight a perceived contradiction in Tinubu’s stance on federal intervention in state matters. While Tinubu opposed such intervention in the past, his recent actions in Rivers State have sparked debate over the use of emergency powers and their impact on Nigeria’s democracy.

The full interview, which delves into these political dynamics, can be watched starting at the 5:13 mark through this.