(SINL NIGERIA) Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders, have urged the National Assembly to oppose President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Atiku, who is the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) spoke on behalf of the opposition leaders at a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday.

He accused Tinubu of favouritism and the improper use of Section 305 regarding the state of emergency.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State.

“We call on patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval.

“The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to legitimise an unconstitutional power grab.”

It would be recalled that Rivers State has been engulfed in political feud for nearly 24 months as former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, lock horns leading to a governance deadlock.

Consequently, the President declared a state of emergency in the state.