National Assembly betraying democracy – Afenifere on Rivers emergency rule

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has strongly condemned the National Assembly for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, accusing lawmakers of violating the 1999 Constitution.

In a communique issued after its National Caucus meeting at the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s residence in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State, Afenifere criticized the legislature’s failure to uphold democratic principles, calling the move an affront to constitutional integrity.

Signed by Afenifere Leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan and National Publicity Secretary Prince Justice Faloye, the statement described the National Assembly’s actions as a betrayal of Nigerians’ democratic rights.

The group argued that declaring a state of emergency requires a two-thirds majority vote from both chambers, condemning the reliance on voice votes, which obscure constitutional compliance.

Afenifere also denounced the recent vote of confidence in the Senate President, calling it an admission of internal crises and a further erosion of public trust in the legislature.

Warning that Nigeria risks sliding into authoritarianism, the group likened the current situation to how Adolf Hitler exploited democratic systems in Germany.

The organization urged Nigerians to take immediate action to safeguard democracy and prevent excessive executive control from undermining federalism and the separation of powers.