The Selective Democrats

By

Olabode opeseitan

It has been thoroughly entertaining reading the diverse reactions to the Federal Government’s declaration of State of Emergency (SOE) in Rivers State. From the legal luminaries to the non-experts, the ethically conscious and ethically indifferent, people have freely shared their views. While I understand the concerns of those genuinely worried about the risks of an overly powerful President, the argument made by some—that President Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency was wrong while portraying Fubara as a democratic saint—defies logic.

I ask, all those who have criticized Tinubu on the Rivers State SOE, particularly the leaders and elders, what did they do to intervene when the matter was accelerating dangerously towards a total breakdown of law and order? Was it not the same Tinubu who called the parties together earlier on to strike a peace deal? Both parties signed the accord, but some people convinced Siminalayi Fubara that the peace deal was not good for him, so he reportedly used different tactics to thwart it. When Fubara allegedly instigated the bombing of the Rivers State House of Assembly, all these people who claim to be strict adherents to democratic ethos kept quiet. When Fubara used three legislators to approve the state budget twice, approve the cabinet list, and legislate on other state matters, they all kept quiet.

When Fubara refused to pay the 27 legislators in the opposing camp their legitimate allowances, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Peter Obi, Abubakar Atiku etc., probably saw that as a noble example of democratic practice. When Fubara reportedly said he would tell the militants when to act, they did not see anything wrong with that. They did not even bother to engage him and redirect him to the path of peace and reconciliation. When the militants came out in support of Fubara and threatened to disrupt the livewire of Nigeria’s economy, none called them to order. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan chose to act as a sectional leader instead of the revered statesman and former President he is.

He said one person was dictating to the Judiciary what to do. If he has his evidence, he should share it, but what judgment was he expecting from the Supreme Court? To say that someone who went against all democratic principles and constitutional provisions was right? I’m baffled. While Nyesom Wike also has a large share of the blame, and sometimes speaks loosely, he is much smarter than Fubara. His legal advisers studied the constitution and exploited every advantage they got. If Tinubu did not declare SOE in Rivers State due to the recalcitrance of the warring parties, the Martins Amaewhule-led legislators would have impeached Fubara, all hell would have been let loose, and the center might not hold. The state of emergency is not a concession to Wike; in fact, it tied his hands. Fubara and Wike should find a way to reconcile if they truly care about the progress of Rivers State.