Rivers State Emergency: Afenifere Slams National Assembly For Supporting ‘Unnecessary’ Action

In a statement issued after its National Caucus meeting at the residence of the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, Afenifere criticized the National Assembly for its actions, claiming that lawmakers showed a lack of courage in defending the democratic rights of Nigerians.

The communique, signed by Afenifere’s leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, argued that the support for the state of emergency represents a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s constitutional integrity, calling it an affront to the will of the people.

Afenifere expressed disappointment with the National Assembly for backing the President’s decision and failing to uphold constitutional principles. According to the 1999 Constitution, the declaration of a state of emergency requires a two-thirds majority vote from both chambers of the National Assembly, and Afenifere criticized the use of voice votes, which they argue obscure the proper constitutional procedure.

The group stated, “The 10th Assembly not only joined forces with the President in further desecrating the 1999 Constitution but also demonstrated a failure to defend the democratic rights of Nigerians.”

Afenifere also highlighted the repeated violations of oaths of office by the National Assembly and called for the resignation of the current leadership to restore decency, integrity, and respect for the separation of powers that form the bedrock of Nigeria’s democracy.

Additionally, Afenifere took issue with the recent vote of confidence in the Senate President, describing it as an acknowledgment of a trust crisis within the Senate. The group criticized the Senate President for presiding over the vote despite public concerns, further deepening the perception of dysfunction within the legislative body.