Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has strongly criticized the National Assembly for endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The move, announced on Tuesday, has sparked widespread debate, with both the Senate and House of Representatives backing the president’s decision two days later. However, Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), described the endorsement as detrimental to democracy.

“The legislature has the responsibility to hold the executive accountable, not merely play along. It is appalling to see this 10th Assembly become more of a rubber stamp than any of its predecessors,” Kwankwaso stated on his X handle late Thursday.

He further criticized the use of a voice vote for ratifying the proclamation, arguing that it lacked transparency and proper constitutional procedure.

President Tinubu justified the emergency rule as a constitutional measure to prevent a breakdown of law and order following prolonged political unrest in Rivers State. As part of the decision, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months, with retired naval chief Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as the state’s sole administrator.

Kwankwaso, joining a growing list of critics, called the move unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent.

“At this stage of our democracy, suspending all elected officials in Rivers State is unconstitutional and a recipe for anarchy,” he warned.

He also accused Tinubu of undermining Nigeria’s democratic progress by appointing a military figure to lead the state, recalling former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s efforts to keep the military out of politics.

“Bola Tinubu should know better than bringing the military closer to power after the good work President Olusegun Obasanjo did in confining them to their barracks,” Kwankwaso added.