Kenneth Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has strongly criticized Monday’s Supreme Court verdict affirming President Bola Tinubu’s power to declare a state of emergency and suspend elected officials in Rivers State.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Okonkwo warned that the ruling sets a dangerous precedent.
“What this means is that the President now has the right to suspend 36 governors at the same time. He can declare a state of emergency nationwide and that he will use the military to rule Nigeria for a limited time,” Okonkwo stated.
While acknowledging the President’s constitutional authority to declare an emergency, Okonkwo argued that the power to suspend elected officials does not exist. He further faulted the apex court for making substantive pronouncements after striking out the suit for want of jurisdiction, calling it a mere “opinion” that throws the nation into confusion.
The Supreme Court, in its ruling, held that the President is empowered to declare an emergency to prevent a breakdown of law and order and may suspend officials for a limited duration.
Okonkwo insisted the court should have simply declined jurisdiction without further comment.
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This report is based on statements made by a political figure on a televised program. The views and legal interpretations expressed are solely those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the position of CDA News Nigeria. This is a developing political and legal story.
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