Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Tinubu , describing it as a politically motivated move and an act of bad faith.
In a statement posted on his official X account, Atiku accused President Bola Tinubu of being a “vested partisan actor” in the ongoing political crisis in the state. He alleged that Tinubu’s refusal or failure to prevent the escalating conflict was a “disgraceful” act of negligence.
“Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk,” Atiku said. He maintained that the chaos in Rivers State was either enabled by Tinubu’s administration or not adequately addressed.
Related: BREAKING! President Tinubu Declares a State of Emergency in Rivers State (Read Full Speech)
Atiku further criticized the situation in the Niger Delta, stating that under Tinubu’s leadership, the region had been thrown back into “an era of violent unrest and instability,” undoing years of peace secured during the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure.
“If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility,” Atiku asserted, adding that punishing the people of Rivers State over political disputes was “an assault on democracy” that should be condemned.
The former vice president’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in Rivers, where political rivalries and security concerns have fueled unrest.
