The Nigerian Presidency has responded to comments made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) about the situation in Rivers State, describing them as a form of nuisance politics. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Communication to President Bola Tinubu, said the President’s actions in the state were guided by the Nigerian Constitution, specifically Section 305, which empowers the President to intervene when law and order are threatened.
The ADC had accused President Tinubu of autocracy and manipulation in his handling of Rivers State. Dare explained that invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution was intended to prevent bloodshed and restore governance. He emphasized that the emergency framework used was constitutional, not arbitrary.
Addressing the ADC’s claim that the President had undermined federalism, Dare noted that, as a former governor, Tinubu had long advocated for state autonomy. He argued that the President’s actions were meant to protect Rivers State and, by extension, the entire country.
The Presidency maintains that the ADC’s criticisms are unfounded, calling them “late pontification and empty noise.” In contrast, it asserts that the President’s intervention has brought stability, restored democratic institutions, and ensured peace in Rivers State. The government’s position is that Tinubu’s actions were necessary and in the nation’s best interest.
The situation in Rivers State continues to be closely watched, and the Presidency’s response is seen as an effort to provide context and justification for the intervention. The government’s actions have significant implications for Nigeria, and the international community is likely to keep monitoring developments. As events unfold, it remains to be seen how various stakeholders will respond and what the long‑term consequences of the President’s actions will be.
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