Temitope Ajayi, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State, calling it a necessary step to maintain order.
Ajayi’s remarks come in response to criticism from former President Goodluck Jonathan and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, who have both condemned the move as an overreach of executive power.
Jonathan, voicing his concerns, warned that suspending democratic institutions could harm Nigeria’s international reputation, calling the action “a clear abuse of power by all actors.”
Soyinka, echoing similar sentiments, argued that the decision contradicts the principles of federalism, warning that it centralizes excessive power in the presidency.
In a statement on Sunday, Ajayi dismissed their criticisms as personal opinions, asserting that Tinubu acted within his constitutional rights.
“Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Professor Wole Soyinka are respected statesmen,” he said. “Like many Nigerians, they have shared their views on the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.”
Ajayi emphasized that Tinubu’s priority is governance and national stability.
“President Tinubu has a duty to preserve the corporate existence of Nigeria. He won’t allow any part of the country to descend into chaos,” he said.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s stance, Ajayi argued that the lack of a functional government in Rivers State warranted federal intervention.
“The Supreme Court ruled that there is no functioning government in Rivers State known to the constitution of Nigeria. President Tinubu won’t fail in his sacred duty to protect and preserve the country,” he added.
The emergency rule in Rivers has sparked nationwide debate, with critics questioning its implications for democracy and governance. However, the presidency maintains that the move was unavoidable given the state’s political turmoil.
