The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) warns of growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene in political crises in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos States before they spiral out of control.
The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has raised the alarm over what it describes as “anti-democratic music” playing out in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos States, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action before the country’s democracy is irreparably damaged.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, National Chairman of ZLP, expressed deep concern over the rising political tensions in these states, which he attributed to actions allegedly fueled by political figures close to the president.
“We of ZLP sincerely bemoaned the ugly and anti-democratic music booming in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos States. We call on President Tinubu to halt the less-than-melodic music forthwith, especially when it is allegedly emanating from his political surrogates—Ministers Nyesom Wike, Oyetola, and Honourable Obasa of the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Nwanyanwu stated.
ZLP Frowns at Nigeria’s Political Crisis
The ZLP chairman likened the unfolding crisis in Osun and Lagos to the infamous “Wild Wild West” political turmoil of the 1960s, while warning that the situation in Rivers could lead to renewed militancy in the oil-rich region.
“We caution against Osun and Lagos States rehearsing the Wild Wild West and Rivers State rehearsing the dangerous militancy in the oil region as witnessed in the past,” Nwanyanwu said.
His warning comes amid escalating political confrontations across these states, which have led to legal battles reaching the Supreme Court.
When asked about the limits of presidential intervention in legal matters, Nwanyanwu acknowledged the importance of the rule of law but stressed that political solutions are sometimes necessary.
He pointed to the controversial case of 27 Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected from the party that sponsored them into office without any leadership division at the national level.
“What is the legal status of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the political party that sponsored them to another political party in the absence of division in leadership position at the national level of that party? And what is the effect of the affidavit sworn on oath by them admitting defecting to another political party?”
Nwanyanwu accused the defected lawmakers of attempting to withdraw their affidavits after initially admitting to their defection, thereby trying to benefit from both sides of the political divide.
“Even an unborn child can attest to the very act of defection, the announcement, video recordings of same, as well as the reception organized by the party they decamped into.”
ZLP warns that failure to resolve these political disputes could lead to serious economic and security repercussions, particularly in Rivers State.
Nwanyanwu painted a dire picture of what could happen if Governor Sim Fubara is impeached under questionable circumstances.
“Imagine the unintended consequence of the Wild Wild West and the dire economic consequence, if in a less than transparent manner, His Excellency Sim Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, is impeached, and in reaction, the Ijaw boys start sabotaging oil flow?”
Given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil revenue, any disruption in the Niger Delta region could have severe economic consequences, potentially worsening the country’s already fragile financial situation.
Nwanyanwu also criticized the withholding of Local Government funds, calling it an ironic development under President Tinubu’s administration.
“Is it not an irony that the withholding of Local Government Funds, under whatever forum shopping, is happening under President Tinubu?”
The ZLP chairman stressed that the President’s intervention is crucial, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is already in a state of decline, just like in many parts of Africa.
In conclusion, ZLP urged President Tinubu to take immediate political action to de-escalate the crisis before it destabilizes the nation.
“Abuse of privilege and opportunities has now become the order of the day. Mr. President must step in now before it is too late.”
Related:
