Message to Lagosians on the Federal Government's Actions in Rivers State

Fellow Lagosians,

We have all witnessed the Federal Government’s approach to the situation in Rivers State, an approach that disregarded widespread counsel, including my own advice to the National Assembly.

Commendably, several PDP governors are taking a stand, by filing a lawsuit at the Supreme Court to challenge this blatant overreach, which threatens the very foundation of our democracy and the separation of powers.

By its actions, the Federal Government is attempting to suspend an elected state government under the guise of a state of emergency. Even more concerning is the reliance on voice votes in both chambers of the National Assembly in a futile attempt to legitimize an act that many, including the Nigerian Bar Association, view as unconstitutional.

If such flawed and dangerous precedents are allowed to stand, no state will be safe from similar federal overreach in the future. The erosion of democratic principles anywhere is a threat to democracy everywhere.

As the Yoruba adage says: Nkan ti o da, ko da. Ko loruko meji. That which is wrong is wrong, by any name, under any pretense. Lagos State, given its significance, ought to be at the forefront of resisting such actions, regardless of the motivations behind them.

I commend the governors who are challenging this legally and the citizens who are raising their voices. This moment underscores an essential truth: democracy demands vigilance. It is not just a privilege to speak up; it is a responsibility. The stakes are high, and the consequences far-reaching.

Funso Doherty