Nigeria Under the Rule of Might and the Jungle

Strategic Insights -

Nigerian politics has taken a dramatic turn, and the warning signs are ominous. A media chat by Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, has shed light on the stark reality of the situation. The revelations, particularly concerning the local government elections organized by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, appointed by President Tinubu, paint a grim picture of a nation abandoned by the rule of law. The Constitution has been brazenly suspended, and the very fabric of democracy has been torn apart.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sole Administrator of Rivers State has been empowered to organize local government elections despite the absence of an elected Governor and the House of Assembly, a situation deemed unconstitutional by the Constitution.
  • President Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is seen as a declaration of martial law, not a genuine state of emergency, as it was not guided by section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
  • The Supreme Court judgment annulling the Gov Sim Fubara-organised LG elections for not giving the required 90 days notice has been disregarded in favor of the Sole Administrator's flawed elections.
  • The procedure of the Supreme Court judgment is inconsistent with the actions of the Sole Administrator, raising important questions about the rule of law and the equality of persons before the law.
  • Prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) members, including Vice-President Shettima and Prof Wole Soyinka, have publicly declared that Tinubu's actions offend the concept of federalism and are illegal.
  • The registration of 400,000 persons in a week in Osun State during the voters registration exercise is a concerning sign for the 2027 elections.
  • The electronic recording and transmission of polling unit results and accredited voters is crucial for guaranteeing democratic integrity in the 2027 elections.

Statistics:

  • 300,000 votes scored by winners in some local governments in Rivers State, a figure that surpasses Tinubu's presidential election votes and Wike's gubernatorial election votes.
  • About 6.9 million votes if 300,000 votes are multiplied by 23 local governments.
  • The registration of 400,000 persons in a week in Osun State during the voters registration exercise.

Sources:

  • President's media chat with Ezenwo Nyesom Wike
  • Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999
  • Supreme Court judgment annulling Gov Sim Fubara-organised LG elections
  • African Democratic Congress (ADC) press release on INEC's registration of 400,000 persons in a week in Osun State