Allegations of Undermining Democracy in Rivers State: Sowore Critiques Tinubu

Omoyele Sowore has accused President Bola Tinubu of undermining democracy in Rivers State by declaring a state of emergency and replacing an elected governor with an administrator to appease ally Nyesom Wike. He states that these actions reflect impunity and a manipulation of electoral processes, urging citizens to awaken and demand accountability. Sowore criticizes the Attorney General’s role in facilitating these actions and reiterates that true anarchy is imposed by the government, not the citizens who oppose it.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused President Bola Tinubu of compromising Rivers State’s governance to appease his ally, Nyesom Wike. He contends that this move, which involved declaring a state of emergency and replacing a democratically elected governor with a sole administrator, undermines the will of the state’s citizens. Sowore posits that the actions reflect a deep-seated impunity that threatens Nigeria’s democratic principles.

During an appearance on Channels TV, Sowore expressed concern over the political motivations behind President Tinubu’s decisions. He alleged that the President enacted a state of emergency to consolidate control over Rivers State’s resources, guided by Wike’s support during the presidential election. Sowore suggested that Tinubu and Wike are already strategizing for future elections, further manipulating political outcomes in their favor.

Sowore voiced his frustration with the haste of the federal government’s actions, criticizing the lack of deliberation by the National Assembly regarding the state’s governance changes. He indicated that the legislative body is ineffective and predicted that any intervention would merely ratify the government’s decisions, rather than uphold democratic processes. He urged Nigerians to become more aware and active in demanding accountability from their leaders.

Moreover, he condemned the complicit role of Nigeria’s Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in facilitating actions that undermine democracy. Sowore argued that historically, Attorneys General have enabled impunity, leading to decisions that compromise democratic integrity. He called for citizens to scrutinize this office and hold it accountable for perpetuating electoral injustice and violating citizens’ rights.

Sowore clarified his position against the accusations of inciting anarchy, stating that the true anarchy was imposed by the federal government on Rivers State. He maintained that the real issue at hand is a systematic dismantling of democratic institutions. He emphasized that speaking out against injustice should not be conflated with promoting chaos, arguing that maintaining democracy requires a refusal to accept oppression as a norm.

In conclusion, Omoyele Sowore’s allegations against President Bola Tinubu highlight significant concerns regarding the undermining of democratic processes in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers State. Through his critical observations, he urges citizens to reclaim their power and hold leaders accountable for actions that threaten democracy and justice. Moreover, he calls for scrutiny of institutions, particularly the Attorney General’s office, as pivotal in the fight against tyranny and the defense of the democratic ideals in the nation.

Original Source: saharareporters.com