Jonathan & Soyinka expressed personal opinions as Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers was guided by constitutional provisions —-Presidency

The presidency has responded critically to comments made by former President Goodluck Jonathan and renowned literary figure Wole Soyinka regarding the recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu as Reported by The Guardian Newspaper

Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, dismissed the remarks from Jonathan and Soyinka as personal opinions. Ajayi emphasized that President Tinubu is focused on the task of governing the nation and that his decision was guided strictly by constitutional provisions.

“It is important for Jonathan and Soyinka to know that President Tinubu has a nation to govern,” Ajayi stated, stressing that the president’s actions are rooted in his responsibility to safeguard Nigeria’s unity and stability.

Ajayi underscored that Tinubu, as Nigeria’s elected leader, has a constitutional duty to prevent any breakdown of law and order, particularly when national peace is at stake. He clarified that the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State followed constitutional processes and was necessary to address the situation in the state.

He further noted that the Supreme Court had ruled there is currently no recognized, functioning government in Rivers State under the Nigerian constitution, warranting federal intervention.

“President Tinubu has a country to govern, and he has exercised his power under the 1999 Constitution as amended. President Tinubu has a duty to preserve the corporate existence of Nigeria. He won’t allow any part of the country or state to descend into chaos.

The Supreme Court ruled that there is no functioning government in Rivers State known to the constitution of Nigeria. President Tinubu won’t fail in his sacred duty to protect and preserve the country,” Ajayi stated.

He reiterated that the president would not tolerate any crisis that could plunge the nation into instability.