The federal government, yesterday, warned that it would not hesitate to visit severe sanctions, including a state of emergency on any other state where the nation’s economic interest is threatened.

This is just as Nigerians from diverse backgrounds have continued to voice their rejection of the State of Emergency (SOE) declared last Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu, in Rivers State, insisting that the measure was a huge affront to Nigeria’s democracy.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, while speaking with State House Correspondents, rationalised the President’s action, saying that there would be no preferential treatment to anybody.

Fagbemi said: “So, it is Rivers’ turn today. It can be anybody’s turn tomorrow. Let the signal be clearly signed for those who want to foment trouble, who want to make the practice of democracy and enjoyment of the dividend of democracy a mirage, to think twice.

“The declaration of State of emergency was a warning signal to other states, whose actions may threaten the economic security of the country, suggesting that the government would invoke stricter sanctions.

“If it happens again, I will encourage mister president to do the same, maybe this time with even greater vigour and vitality. So, the question of separating or treating or giving preferential treatment to anybody does not arise.”

President Tinubu had, apart from proclaiming the State of Emergency in a bid to arrest the threat of anarchy and violence that could lead to the destruction of property and loss of lives, also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

The President, yesterday, administered the oath of office on the Sole Administrator at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the brief ceremony, Ibas said he knows the circumstances that led to where we are, adding, “Mr President made it very clear in this broadcast that the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state.

“I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers state, that is the utmost task I have to work together with all other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, order and security and stability to the people and government of River State, and Nigeria at large.”

State of emergency not democratic
But renouncing the State of Emergency, the immediate past Minister of Transportation and erstwhile Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, condemned the President’s action as a harbinger of anarchy and death of democracy.

https://guardian.ng/politics/fg-reads-riot-act-to-states-as-nigerians-rue-state-of-emergency-in-rivers/