A legal expert, Taofiq Olateju Esq., has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the political crisis in Rivers State, describing the President’s alleged move to declare a state of emergency in the state as unconstitutional and a violation of his oath of office.
Speaking on Just Event Online TV’s live program Issues and Realities on Tuesday, Olateju reminded viewers that the President swore to “uphold, protect, and defend” the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a commitment he believes is being compromised by recent developments in Rivers State.
“The situation in Rivers State is not up to the level of declaring a state of emergency,” he said. “The will of the people of Rivers is being suspended and denied.”
He further emphasized that “men are not made for law, but rather, laws are made for men,” insisting that the essence of governance must remain people-centered and rooted in justice.
Olateju also lamented the structural weakness of Nigeria’s institutions, noting that while the country boasts strong individuals, its institutions remain fragile. “If we want to have a strong institution in Nigeria, there is need for us to look at the constitution and see how we can give power to the people,” he added.
He called for a complete overhaul of the Nigerian Constitution to build a truly democratic system where the people’s voice is paramount and institutions are empowered to function independently.
