The President of ECK Foundation, Chief Dr. Emeka Kalu, has dropped some words for sober reflection as the drama in Rivers State has taken another turn.

He said that the declaration of an emergency rule in Rivers State is cause for concern about the state of democracy in Nigeria. By imposing emergency rules, the federal government is essentially taking control of the state’s governance, which raises questions about the limits of federal power and the rights of state governments.

At the heart of this issue is the question of who is responsible for securing federal infrastructure in Rivers State. According to the Constitution, it is the federal government’s responsibility to provide security for federal infrastructure, not the state government. This means that the federal government’s decision to blame the state government for security breaches that led to the attack on federal infrastructure is a clear abdication of its constitutional responsibilities.

The suspension of the duly elected Rivers State governor’s administration under the guise of emergency rule is also a cause for concern. This move undermines the democratic process and raises questions about the federal government’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy.

Furthermore, the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has exposed the weaknesses of the federal government in securing national assets and protecting the rights of citizens. The use of emergency rule to address these weaknesses is a heavy-handed approach that undermines the democratic values enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution.

In essence, the situation in Rivers State represents a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the federal government’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy. It is imperative that the government takes steps to address the underlying issues driving the crisis in Rivers State and works to restore the democratic process in the state.