ADC’s Okonkwo Slams Supreme Court Ruling on Rivers State Emergency Rule

A prominent legal practitioner and member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party, Kenneth Okonkwo, has expressed strong disagreement with the Supreme Court’s ruling on the emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State. The apex court, in a six-to-one split decision, upheld the President’s constitutional power to declare a state of emergency to prevent a breakdown of law and order or a descent into chaos.

However, Okonkwo argued that while the President can declare a state of emergency, he does not have the authority to suspend elected officials. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Okonkwo, a member of the ADC National Working Committee, expressed concern that the court’s pronouncement carries far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy.

“The court said they don’t have jurisdiction, so they just stated an opinion. It means that what they just stated is an opinion, but their opinion still matters in legal issues,” Okonkwo said. “If I were in their position, I wouldn’t have done that. As an apex court, they have the right to simply decline jurisdiction and not make any other comments. That is a right given to them, rather than throwing the nation into confusion.”

Okonkwo warned that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent, allowing the President to potentially abuse his power and undermine the democratic process. He emphasized that the court’s opinion, although not binding, could still have significant implications for the country’s governance.