Category: Opinion

  • Despite banning group from hosting Wike in Bayelsa, Diri says he’s not against rallies

    Despite banning group from hosting Wike in Bayelsa, Diri says he’s not against rallies

    Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has said his administration will always abide by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in respecting the fundamental rights of individuals and will ensure that the prevailing peace and security of the state are not compromised.

    Diri stated this on Wednesday at the 158th State Executive Council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, the governor explained that the administration would not stop any group from holding rallies in the state but emphasised that it would be unwise and counterproductive to do so at a time when lasting peace was being sought to address the political crisis in Rivers State.

    He noted that Rivers and Bayelsa were sister states and that whatever happened in Rivers had a ripple effect in Bayelsa. He enjoined well-meaning Bayelsans to work with the government to maintain law and order in the state.

    His words, “Let me make this clear. We are not a government that goes against the rule of law. We cherish and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And in so doing, we abide by every bit of the Constitution.

    “A state of emergency has been imposed in Rivers State. President Bola Tinubu has the power to do so. All we can do from our end is to see how we can bring lasting peace to Rivers State.

    “Bayelsa and Rivers are sister states, and whatever happens there has some degree of effect on our state and vice versa. Some people say they want to hold a mega rally and all that here.

    “We are not yet in a political season. l am not stopping anybody from exercising his fundamental human rights but as the chief security officer of the state and with information at my disposal, we must keep the peace of the state. Nobody should come and rock the peace and security of this state.”

    The governor noted that the proper protocol for such rallies should be followed by first informing the state government, just as the wife of the President and First Lady had done about her visit to the state on Thursday on the invitation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    He urged people of the state to turn out en masse to accord the First Lady a rousing reception.

  • I believe in you’ – Wike celebrates Gov. Okpebholo’s tribunal victory

    I believe in you’ – Wike celebrates Gov. Okpebholo’s tribunal victory

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, has congratulated the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, over Wednesday’s tribunal judgement, which affirmed his victory in last September’s governorship election in the state.

    Expressing confidence in the ability of Okpebholo to deliver on his electioneering promises, Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged him not to be distracted by elements seeking to grab power through the back door.

    “Wike, who urged the governor to remain focused, said Governor Okpebholo should avoid being distracted by those who are only interested in getting power through the back doors,” said Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media.

    The minister described the victory as a further confirmation of the mandate freely given to the governor by the people of Edo State.

    According to him, the victory was for the people of Edo State, who elected Governor Okpebholo, urging greater commitment to the service of the people.

    While expressing confidence in the ability of Governor Okpebholo to bring succour to the people of Edo State, Wike said, “I believe in him, and with the way he has started, I believe that his government will impact positively on Edo State and its people.”

  • Tinubu lauded for removing Kyari, Akinyelure, NNPC board

    Tinubu lauded for removing Kyari, Akinyelure, NNPC board

    An economist, Prof. Evans Osabuohien, has commended President Bola Tinubu for removing both the Chairman, Board and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

    Osabuohien, who is Head of the Economics Department at Covenant University in Ota, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that their removal was a welcome development.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the removal of Pius Akinyelure, the Company’s Chairman, and Mele Kyari, the GCEO, was announced on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Osabuohien said sacking the NNPC board would help to check sharp practices in the petroleum sector.

    “The sacking of the NNPC board was a right step in the right direction,” he added.

    The economist however stated that the move should not stop there. “There is the need for a holistic probe of that sector,” he said.

    Osabuohien said NNPC had been recording losses since in the past two years when it became a private company.

    He suggested that the Federal Government should make NNPC a public liabilities company so that there would be a board of directors which would be responsible to the public.

    “This will make the sector vibrant and be contributing positively to the economy and generating employment opportunities in the country.”

    Osabuohien also urged the Federal Government to look into the recent conflict between the NNPC and Dangote Group.

    NAN reports that presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga had on Tuesday in a statement said President Tinubu had removed both Akinyelure and Kyari, and all other board members.

    The President had instead replaced Akinyelure and Kyari with Ahmadu Kida and Bayo Ojulari respectively.

  • Wike can say anything under alcohol influence — Ijaw Nation President

    Wike can say anything under alcohol influence — Ijaw Nation President

    The President of the Ijaw Nation Congress, Professor Benjamin Okaba, has described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as a careless speaker who could say anything under the influence of alcohol.

    Prof Okaba said this in response to Wike’s claim that the Ijaws are a minority ethnic group in Nigeria.

    Wike recently made a controversial comment while addressing journalists about the political crisis involving him and Siminalayi Fubara, an Ijaw man who succeeded him as governor of Rivers State.

    Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the Professor of Sociology dismissed Wike’s remark as a careless comment.

    Prof Okaba explained that the Ijaws are among the four largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and that their territories extend beyond the country’s land areas.

    He said, “The person you’re talking about (Wike) could say anything under the influence of alcohol and later debunk it; he is a very careless speaker. These are basic demographics that are well-known. Ijaws are not the fourth largest; they are one of the four largest.

    “Most times, we look at the land mass, the land mass in terms of space cannot exist outside a water space. So the boundaries of the Ijawland or may be Nigeria beyond land; it goes into the rivers. So from wherever that is a boundary of Nigeria, all that River spots belong to the Ijawland.”

    Prof Okaba explained further that the Ijaws are the most populous ethnic group in the Niger Delta region, spreading across six states.

    “We are not minorities, in fact, we are the most populous and most indigenous ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta, that’s a fact that is well known. Ijaws are in six states,” he maintained.

    Apart from Bayelsa State, he stated that the Ijaws are indigenous to many communities in Abia, Delta, Edo, Ondo and Rivers State, adding that Wike’s comment was a deliberate distortion of fact.

    “They are in Abia. 26 communities in Abia State are indigenous Ijaw people. So we felt that was a deliberate distortion. In Delta State, we have more than four local government areas; even in Rivers State, we have 10 and a half local government areas, and Ikwerre has three. Forget about those who distorted political census figures; when the time comes for real counting, we shall know them. Ijaws are in Ondo State; they are in Edo State, he submitted.

    The academic, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu not to allow one individual to destroy his efforts to ensure democracy in Nigeria, stating that Wike is nothing outside government.

  • Peter Obi lists five things he would have done differently as President

    Peter Obi lists five things he would have done differently as President

    Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has again criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying his government has not delivered on some of its promises to Nigerians.

    After almost two years of Tinubu administration, Obi believes the President has not made any visible impact on Nigerians.

    The ex-governor of Anambra State assessed the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the evening of Tuesday, April 1, 2025, when he appeared on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme.

    Obi said that if he were president, he would have ensured that Nigerians saw considerable change in critical sectors.

    Highlighting some of the things he would have done differently, the LP chieftain said in two years, he would have tackled corruption and reduced the cost of governance in a manner that would be visible to Nigerians.

    “The President that is there today how many years has he spent, two years and you could see where we are. That means you can change things in two years. If I was there in two years, you would have seen a considerable change in critical areas. I would have tackled corruption head on. I would have reduced cost of governance and you would see it, people would feel it,” he said.

    Obi said his administration would have ensured that borrowed money was invested properly in healthcare, stressing that 70 percent of the sector is currently inoperative.

    “Our primary healthcare today, 70 percent (of it) are not functional and we spent over N35 billion on conference centre, which conference? who is coming for the conference? You need to invest your money properly, You would have been seeing borrowed money invested in critical areas,” he submitted.

    Citing Banglandesh as an example, the ex-governor said his administration would use Nigeria’s land size to turn it into a rice-producing country.

    “In Bangladesh, a country with one 148,000 km² of land is producing about 60 million metric tons of rice and us, with over six times that size of land cannot do 10 percent of that,” Obi said.

    Lastly, Obi agreed with President Tinubu’s devaluation of the naira; however, he faulted the manner in which the policy was implemented.

    He said if he were the President, he would have floated the naira in an organised manner, adding that floating the currency is meant to support productivity.

    He said, “There’s nothing wrong in devaluation, but I would have allowed the naira to float but I would have done it in an organised manner. There will be productivity. The idea of devaluing your currency, allowing it to float is that you have productivity so you can export, so people can come and buy.”

    According to him, floating the naira without productivity is a double whammy.

  • Why we want to celebrate Tinubu, Wike in Bayelsa  — PDP secretary

    Why we want to celebrate Tinubu, Wike in Bayelsa  — PDP secretary

    George Turnah, the Zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in South-South and Convener of Bayelsa Mega Rally for Tinubu and Wike has explained why Bayelsa is the ideal place to celebrate President Bola Tinubu and his minister, Nyesom Wike.

    Turnah said the planned rally by the New Associate group is not an endorsement of President Tinubu’s second term.

    The New Associate group is reportedly a PDP faction loyal to the former Governor.

    Speaking on Arise Television’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the PDP member said in addition to the rally, the group plans to thank and celebrate Wike and President Tinubu for appointing some notable sons and daughters of Bayelsa State into his administration.

    “Why are we doing the rally in Bayelsa? The New Associate is a grassroot organisation. We want to inaugurate the Bayelsa State chapter and in doing so, we also want to do a rally to thank Mr President for his choices of appointment of some notable sons and daughters of Bayelsa State, which in our estimation are performing and doing very well,” he explained.

    Recall that the Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State recently warned against the group’s plan to organise a rally or host Wike in his state.

    Given the recent political crisis in neighbouring Rivers State, the governor said the planned rally is a plot by a ‘PDP renegade’ to disrupt the peace in his state.

    “As you are aware, we have threats from our sister state. The political crisis there is threatening us and we will not allow what is happening there to come into Bayelsa State.

    “Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted. I urge security commanders in the state to be on the alert. Parents and traditional rulers should discourage their wards and children from being used by unscrupulous elements to cause trouble in the state,” Governor Diri warned.

    Despite the governor’s warning, Turnah said the rally would take place in the state but not on any Bayelsa State Government property.

  • How opposition coalition can beat Tinubu 2027 election – Ex-Presidential Candidate

    How opposition coalition can beat Tinubu 2027 election – Ex-Presidential Candidate

    Chief Martin Onovo,  the Presidential Candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, says only unity and the emergence of a strong candidate could secure victory for the coalition of opposition leaders in 2027.

    Onovo, an activist and Head of Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

    He was reacting to the recent announcement of an opposition coalition to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next presidential election.

    “The coalition of opposition leaders needs a vigorous candidate; a strong candidate to brighten its chances in 2027. The coalition needs somebody with a clear agenda and a clear vision.

    “The opposition needs a candidate with a strong background of integrity. Nobody is perfect, but you need a strong background of integrity.

    “The opposition needs somebody who is morally and mentally competent, and physically fit. The opposition does not need former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any old person if it wants to win.

    “The opposition doesn’t need any old person now. It is time to use the energy of the young.

    “They must present a strong candidate, who is strong morally, mentally, and physically, with a clear patriotic agenda to move the country forward, ” Onovo said.

    He added that the coalition had a lot that could work to its advantage in 2027 and urged members to work with unity of purpose to achieve a convincing victory.

    Also speaking on the chances of the ruling party in 2027, the politician said  APC could remain in power if the challenges arising from subsidy removal and other economic issues were addressed by the present administration.

    He also said  President Bola Tinubu  still had the opportunity to address the  security challenges in the country  to win in 2027, and remain in power, if interested

    Onovo, who noted that he was not part of the organisers of the mega coalition, said that he had always been part of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) since the 2019 elections.

    He called on all Nigerians to unite for the development of the country, ensuring leadership that would fulfil the country’s aspirations.

    NAN recalls that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had recently announced the formation of a coalition, aimed at unseating Tinubu in 2027.

    Atiku made the declaration during a press conference in Abuja, attended by several opposition politicians, including former APC members.

    Among those present at the event were the 2023 Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, represented by Dr Yunusa Tanko; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal and a former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.

  • Media narrative: Between Tinubu’s birthday and the lynching in Uromi

    Media narrative: Between Tinubu’s birthday and the lynching in Uromi

    In school, we are taught that the media—often described as the Fourth Estate—exists to educate, inform, and serve as a watchdog for society. Yet behind this noble ideal lies a troubling reality: media narratives are frequently shaped by the interests of their proprietors, patrons and editors. Even on deeply sensitive national issues, editorial direction can be swayed by commercial gain, political allegiance, or ethnic loyalties.

    The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, as I discussed in a recent article, starkly illustrates the hypocrisy and bias in global media coverage. Western outlets routinely suppress narratives sympathetic to President Vladimir Putin, just as some Eastern media demonise President Volodymyr Zelensky. Today, journalistic ethics are too often sacrificed for partisan interests. The once-vaunted integrity of global journalism is steadily eroding, compromised by ideological alignment and the influence of sponsors.

    Sadly, the Nigerian media is no exception. Ownership and editorial control increasingly dictate which stories are amplified and muted—particularly on issues involving ethnoreligious tension and national security.

    I have always found it challenging to watch graphic footage of human brutality. The lynching of Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a Christian student accused of blasphemy in Sokoto in May 2022, remains etched in my memory. Her horrific killing received widespread media coverage, with headlines invoking religion and regional identity—Islam, the North, and Christianity. In sharp contrast, that same month, Harira Jibril, a pregnant Muslim woman, and her four children were murdered in Anambra, allegedly by IPOB militants. This atrocity received scant media attention and, when reported, conspicuously lacked references to her faith or origin. The disparity reveals deep-rooted biases in our media’s treatment of ethnoreligious violence.

    A more recent and equally distressing case underscores this troubling trend: the lynching of Northern hunters—predominantly Hausa-speaking Muslims—in Uromi, Edo State, on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The victims, reportedly en route to Kano for Eid al-Fitr celebrations, were travelling in a truck when local vigilantes intercepted them and allegedly found dane guns. This sparked a mob attack. A harrowing video showed the men pleading for mercy as they were beaten and burned alive, while onlookers stood by with chilling indifference.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu promptly condemned the killings, describing them as “shocking and unacceptable”, and ordered a thorough investigation and prosecution. He reaffirmed that jungle justice has no place in a civilised society and that all citizens have the right to move freely within the country.

    Despite the horror captured on video, most national newspapers downplayed the incident. Shockingly, the atrocity was eclipsed by frivolous matters that received more prominent coverage.

    On Saturday, March 29—two days after the lynching—I visited the PRNigeria Centre in Abuja to review the major national dailies. To my dismay, front pages were dominated by paid advertorials celebrating President Tinubu’s 73rd birthday. These glossy tributes, sponsored by political allies and business elites from both the North and South—including High Chief Government Tompolo and Senator Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar—completely overshadowed the tragedy in Uromi.

    Most newspapers either buried the story deep within their pages or ignored it entirely. Their front pages focused on far less urgent matters: the death of Humphrey Nwosu, political wrangling in Rivers State, forest reserve issues, and women in leadership.

    Only four publications gave the incident the seeming prominence it deserved, with headlines such as: “FG Orders Manhunt as Outrage Trails 16 Edo Travellers’ Lynching,” “Tinubu Orders Manhunt for Killers of Hunters in Edo,” “Edo Killing: Police Arrest 24 as President Orders Manhunt,” and “How 16 Hunters Were Mobbed, Killed in Uromi.”

    Yet even these reports by the four newspapers omitted a critical detail: the victims were Northern Muslims. If the roles had been reversed—with Southern Christians lynched in the North—there is little doubt that ethnic and religious profiling would have been amplified, generating widespread public outrage.

    Several factors fuel this persistent media bias, including ownership influence, where proprietors and sponsors shape narratives to align with their interests; lack of diversity, as many newsrooms are dominated by personnel from a single region, leading to skewed perspectives; and commercial priorities, where advertising revenue and political patronage often outweigh the public interest—as evident in the prioritisation of birthday tributes over national tragedies.

    Such editorial decisions erode public trust in the media and deepen societal divisions. The press should serve as a bridge between Nigeria’s diverse communities, not a wedge.

    It is also a public reality that Northern voices are becoming increasingly marginalised in mainstream media. Southern interests dominate most print, electronic, and online platforms. Northern elites, for their part, have failed to invest meaningfully in media ventures, often underestimating the strategic importance of media in shaping public opinion and promoting regional representation.

    This recent episode underscores how media framing can shape national consciousness. When tragedies are filtered through biased lenses, they reinforce dangerous stereotypes and widen Nigeria’s fragile fault lines.

    The Nigerian Press Organisation, NPO; Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE; and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, must urgently address these imbalances. Proactive measures—including more inclusive hiring, stricter editorial guidelines, and greater accountability—are essential. A more balanced media is not just desirable; it is vital for national cohesion.

    By acknowledging the current shortcomings and advocating for ethical, sensitive journalism, we can begin to foster mutual understanding and reflect the true diversity of our nation. As I posted on Facebook, the murder of Northerners in Edo is not only horrifying—it is a national tragedy. As we recently observed both the holy month of Ramadan and Lent, let us pray for peace and justice. But beyond prayers, we must act—collectively and conscientiously—to prevent future ethnoreligious violence and forestall retaliatory cycles. Let wisdom prevail.

    • Shuaib, a journalist, author and publisher, wrote via: http://www.YAShuaib.com, yashuaib@yashuaib.com

  • Governors, federalism and constitutional tension, by Dakuku Peterside

    Governors, federalism and constitutional tension, by Dakuku Peterside

    Tensions between Nigeria’s central and state governments have long been the fault lines of its federal system; it is like a simmering struggle between authority and autonomy. The 1999 Constitution, though intended as a compass for governance, is riddled with ambiguities—grey areas that have, time and again, become battlegrounds for political and legal duels. Among the most contentious debates is the reach of Section 305(1), which grants the president the power to declare a state of emergency. But does this mandate extend to the unilateral removal of democratically elected state officials?

    For years, this question has lingered like an unspoken riddle in the corridors of power, whispered in legal chambers and political gatherings alike. Now, it erupts into the open, thrust into the unforgiving glare of the Supreme Court by seven opposition governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Their challenge is more than a legal contest; it is a reckoning—one that may redraw the contours of Nigeria’s federalism, recalibrate executive authority, and probe the very essence of democracy in the nation.

    The Supreme Court, under Section 232(1) of the 1999 Constitution, has original jurisdiction in disputes between the Federal Government and state governments. This means it can directly adjudicate conflicts concerning constitutional interpretation. The ongoing case will test the limits of this jurisdiction, mainly whether the Supreme Court can provide clarification in the absence of a specific dispute between a state and the Federal Government.

    If the Court rules that interpretation alone is insufficient to activate its jurisdiction, it could set a precedent discouraging proactive legal resolutions, potentially allowing constitutional ambiguities to persist until conflicts escalate. However, if the Court determines that a general ambiguity affecting multiple states warrants judicial intervention, it will pave the way for a more dynamic constitutional review process that ensures legal clarity before crises arise.

    Section 305 of the Constitution grants the president the power to declare a state of emergency, but the criteria remain broad and open to interpretation. Key questions include: What constitutes a “clear and present danger” to justify an emergency declaration? Should there be legislative oversight beyond the National Assembly’s approval? How does Nigeria’s standard compare to international best practices? The governors argue that the Supreme Court should establish precise conditions under which emergency powers can be invoked. The governors want the Supreme Court to define what circumstances justify a state of emergency.

    A critical aspect of this case is whether the president’s emergency powers extend to suspending or removing elected state officials. The governors contend that the Constitution does not grant such authority. Their argument is grounded in Section 1(2), which establishes Nigeria as a democracy where sovereignty belongs to the people; Section 5(2), which limits executive powers by constitutional provisions; and Section 305, which does not explicitly provide for the removal of elected officials.

    The Supreme Court’s ruling will set a precedent for the extent of presidential authority during emergencies. It will either reaffirm state autonomy or expand federal executive powers, shaping the balance of power in Nigerian governance. Many legal scholars have argued that the power to remove a democratically elected governor lies with the electorate and, in extreme cases, the legislature—not the president.

    The Constitution mandates a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber of the National Assembly to approve a state of emergency. The governors question whether the voice vote method used in recent emergency approvals met this requirement. The Court’s decision will determine whether procedural irregularities can invalidate emergency rule declarations. If the Supreme Court rules that a voice vote is insufficient, it could impose stricter legislative oversight on emergency declarations, ensuring greater accountability and preventing unilateral executive actions from circumventing constitutional processes.

    Regardless of the outcome, this case highlights the importance of legal challenges in refining Nigeria’s constitutional framework. Nigeria’s judiciary is responsible for addressing constitutional ambiguities to prevent future conflicts. The Supreme Court had a previous opportunity to clarify constitutional provisions regarding local government elections in Rivers State and more specifically the place of the Electoral Act 2022.

    However, the ruling did not address critical ambiguities, leaving unresolved questions in electoral jurisprudence. The current case presents another chance for the Court to provide much-needed legal clarity. The judiciary plays a crucial role in resolving ambiguities that could otherwise lead to executive overreach or political instability.

    If the Court delivers a well-reasoned judgement, it could serve as a touchstone for future constitutional conflicts, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

    This case will establish whether the president’s emergency powers include suspending elected officials. A ruling in favour of the governors could reinforce state autonomy while limiting federal intervention in state affairs. Conversely, a ruling in favour of the president could expand executive powers, setting a precedent for future emergency rule declarations.

    This case could prompt the National Assembly to  carry out constitutional amendment to review the discretionary powers granted to the president. Potential reforms could include defining emergency conditions more precisely, requiring judicial review of emergency declarations, and strengthening legislative oversight to prevent executive overreach.

    The Supreme Court’s decision will be a defining moment for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. If it upholds the governors’ argument, it will set a strong precedent affirming the independence of state governments, ensuring that executive powers remain within constitutional limits. If it rules in favour of expansive presidential authority, it risks tilting the balance of power.

    Whatever the outcome, this case has forced a crucial legal reckoning, compelling Nigeria to confront the ambiguities in its constitutional framework. The judiciary must rise above partisanship, deliver a judgment that reinforces the rule of law, and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic evolution. A well-reasoned ruling will not only settle the immediate dispute but will shape the nation’s legal and political trajectory for generations to come.

  • Insecurity: Declare state of emergency in Zamfara – CDD begs Tinubu

    Insecurity: Declare state of emergency in Zamfara – CDD begs Tinubu

    ABUJA – Some pro-good governance advocates, under the aegis of the Coalition for Democracy and Development (CDD), have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency in Zamfara State, citing concerns over governance, security, and economic stability.

    The group alleged that actions taken by the state government had undermined democratic institutions, exacerbated insecurity, and contributed to economic challenges.

    Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the coalition’s convener, Ibrahim Yakubu, condemned the suspension of 10 members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly for 13 months after they raised concerns about the state’s security situation. He described this as a disruption of legislative functions, arguing that it had deprived the people of Zamfara of effective representation.

    The coalition also highlighted the suspension of eight additional lawmakers who had voiced similar concerns, warning that such actions could further weaken democratic engagement in the state. Additionally, the group raised allegations of unauthorised mining activities impacting the state’s economy and called for urgent federal intervention.

    The coalition urged the federal government to take decisive action, arguing that a state of emergency would help stabilise the state, restore governance structures, and address security challenges. They stressed the need for swift measures to safeguard public resources, protect lives, and uphold democratic processes.

    Yakubu stated: “In light of these grave violations, it is time for President Bola Tinubu to act before it is too late. A state of emergency must be declared in Zamfara without delay.

    “The suspension of 10 members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly for 13 months, simply for expressing concerns about security, has crippled the legislative chamber and denied the people of Zamfara their right to effective representation.

    “This has weakened the legislative process and severely restricted democratic engagement in the state.

    “A six-month emergency period is essential to restore order, address governance challenges, and pave the way for a return to democratic processes.

    “This is not a call made lightly; it is a demand born out of necessity, as the current trajectory threatens not only Zamfara but the entire nation.

    “The federal government must act swiftly to secure the state’s resources, protect lives and livelihoods, and ensure that governance structures function effectively.

    “Half-measures and empty promises are no longer an option—strong, decisive action is now required.

    “The people of Zamfara deserve leadership that upholds the rule of law, prioritises security, and safeguards national resources.

    “Decisive action is essential to restore stability and protect democratic institutions.”