Former Kaduna State Governor and Social Democratic Party (SDP) chieftain, Nasir El-Rufai, has publicly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly. El-Rufai contends that this action lacks constitutional backing and poses a threat to Nigeria's democratic federalism.

In a statement shared on his verified social media accounts, El-Rufai emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the President authority to suspend elected state officials, even under a state of emergency. He stated, "There are things that are so clearly wrong that the justifications summoned in their defence fall flat. The decision of Mr. President to suspend the elected officials of the Rivers State Government is one of those."

El-Rufai further argued that while addressing security concerns is imperative, such measures should not infringe upon constitutional provisions. He recalled President Tinubu's previous criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan's declaration of a state of emergency in the North-East, noting that even then, elected officials were not suspended. El-Rufai urged President Tinubu to "review this decision and return to the path of constitutionalism and the rule of law."

This sentiment echoes broader concerns among civil society organizations and legal experts, who have labeled the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State as unconstitutional and a potential threat to democratic principles.

The situation has sparked a national debate on the balance between ensuring security and upholding constitutional governance, with many calling for a reconsideration of the measures implemented in Rivers State.