Nigerian public‑affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has voiced strong opposition to proposals for declaring a state of emergency to tackle the country’s security challenges. He argues that such a move would be counter‑productive and could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
Shehu’s remarks came after reports that several retired senior military officers supported a state of emergency, a suggestion originally put forward by former Chief of Defence Staff General Lucky Irabor. According to Shehu, declaring an emergency would not serve Nigerians’ interests; instead, it would provide a pretext to suspend elections and give certain individuals easier access to public funds. Under emergency rule, he warned, those backing the measure would likely gain greater influence and have unfettered access to the national treasury.
The commentator cautioned Nigerians against what he called a “defeatist plot,” urging citizens to demand good governance, accountability, and genuine democracy. He stressed that the focus should be on advocating for effective governance, ending looting, and protecting lives and property. Shehu warned that if proponents of emergency rule succeed—driven by selfish and greedy motives—the country could lose more than just its democratic system.
His comments arrive as Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent security threats, including terrorism and banditry. While some argue that drastic measures are needed to restore stability, others, like Shehu, call for caution and emphasize the importance of upholding democratic principles and promoting good governance.
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