Senator Ali Ndume, the former Senate Majority Whip, has openly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of year-old-motocross-star-aidan-zingg-des-in-racing-accident/” title=”16-…-old Motocross star Aidan Zingg d!es in racing accident”>emergency in Rivers State earlier this year, labeling the decision as unwarranted and a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Representing Borno South under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ndume voiced his concerns on Wednesday in Port Harcourt during the 2nd 2025 ECOWAS Parliamentary Seminar.
He recounted that in March, President Tinubu imposed a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, which resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state House of Assembly. This emergency period concluded on September 18, after which the President reinstated the suspended officials through an official statement released a day prior.
Addressing the press, Ndume cautioned that such executive actions risk establishing a dangerous precedent that could erode the pillars of democratic governance.
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“Imagine if someone arbitrarily declared a nationwide state of emergency-would that be acceptable? It’s absurd. Can external bodies like the UN or any foreign government impose such a measure here and suspend our government? Absolutely not. Wrong actions remain wrong,” he asserted.
Ndume emphasized that a healthy democracy depends on the balanced and independent operation of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Undermining any one of these institutions, he warned, constitutes a direct attack on democratic integrity.
“Without the legislature, democracy ceases to exist. Similarly, the executive and judiciary are indispensable. All three must function in harmony for democracy to flourish,” he explained.
While critical of the President’s emergency declaration, Ndume praised Governor Fubara for his dignified and composed handling of the situation, highlighting it as a model of effective leadership.
“It requires remarkable maturity for a leader to let bygones be bygones and focus on moving forward. That is the hallmark of true leadership,” Ndume remarked. “I urge everyone, including the media and Nigerians at large, to prioritize the preservation of our democracy.”
He also urged political figures in Rivers State to avoid rekindling conflicts and instead to harness the state’s vast resources for constructive development rather than political discord.
“Rivers State alone possesses resources that surpass those of 15 to 20 African countries combined, yet many still endure hardship. Governing through personal discretion or privatization is what continues to hinder Nigeria’s progress,” Ndume concluded.
