Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, describing the action as unconstitutional and dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic framework.
In a statement issued on March 19, 2025, El-Rufai condemned the decision, arguing that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the President to suspend elected state officials. He asserted that such a move undermines the principles of democratic federalism and sets a dangerous precedent. “The responsibilities of a president are heavy and extensive, but they are constrained by the Constitution and the law and certainly do not include firing persons who were elected,” El-Rufai stated.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the security issues cited by the President, El-Rufai maintained that these could have been addressed through a state of emergency, granting security agencies the necessary authority and resources without dismantling democratic structures.
He referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dariye vs. Attorney General of the Federation, which declared the suspension of elected officials unlawful. El-Rufai urged the President to reconsider his decision, emphasizing that Tinubu had previously criticized similar actions taken by former President Goodluck Jonathan during the North-East state of emergency. “A similar reconsideration is warranted in this case to contain the damage done to the people of Rivers State and restore the Federal Government to compliance with the Constitution,” he added.
El-Rufai warned against the dangerous precedent of replicating the events of the 1962 emergency rule in the Western Region, urging Nigerians to speak out against what he described as a gross violation of constitutional order. “I appeal to all patriots and voices of reason to join in calling an end to this violation of the Constitution and disrespect for the rule of law,” he concluded.
