The National Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step in and prevent political surrogates from undermining the country’s democratic system.
In a statement issued to journalists in Bauchi on Sunday, Nwanyanwu expressed concerns over the escalating political tensions in several states.
He specifically pointed to Rivers, Osun, and Lagos States, where, according to the ZLP, political crises are intensifying and threatening to destabilize the nation’s political landscape.
Nwanyanwu stated that the party convened an emergency meeting to address the “anti-democratic” activities gaining traction in these states, which, he claimed, were allegedly fueled by political figures including Ministers Nyesom Wike and Rauf Aregbesola, along with Honourable Obasa of Lagos State’s House of Assembly.
“We of ZLP sincerely bemoan the ugly and anti-democratic happenings in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos States. We call on President Tinubu to put a stop to the disturbing actions, especially when they are allegedly instigated by his political surrogates,” Nwanyanwu said.
He cautioned that states like Osun and Lagos should avoid descending into chaos, akin to the “Wild Wild West,” while Rivers State should refrain from the dangerous militancy witnessed in Nigeria’s oil-rich region in the past.
When questioned about the president’s limited ability to intervene in legal matters, Nwanyanwu acknowledged the importance of legal processes but emphasized that, at times, a political solution is necessary. “While ZLP subscribes to the rule of law, we believe that, at times, political solutions are required,” he stated.
Nwanyanwu further questioned the legal status of the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who recently defected from their original party to another, despite no leadership division at the national level of their former party. He highlighted their sworn affidavit admitting to the defection and questioned the legal and political consequences of their actions.
“As if that wasn’t enough, attempts are now being made to withdraw the affidavit they had sworn to, enabling them to have their cake and eat it too. It’s common sense that they have left their political party based on their actions in December 2023,” Nwanyanwu said. He also noted that the defection was well-documented through announcements and video recordings, including a reception organized by the new party they joined.
The ZLP chairman condemned the abuse of power and opportunities by political figures involved in these crises and urged the president to intervene. He recalled past struggles for democracy, referencing the 1993 fight for democracy during the era of late M.K.O. Abiola, and pointed out that many of those currently stoking political unrest were not part of that struggle.
Nwanyanwu concluded that the situation demanded urgent attention from President Tinubu, warning that Nigeria’s democracy was in a period of regression, which could spiral into a more severe political crisis. He warned that if the situation continued unchecked, it could lead to a scenario similar to the “Wild Wild West,” with disastrous economic consequences, particularly in the oil-rich regions of the Niger Delta.
“Imagine the unintended consequences if the Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, is impeached in a less-than-transparent manner, and Ijaw militants react by sabotaging oil production,” he added.
Nwanyanwu also questioned the withholding of local government funds under the current administration, calling it ironic given the president’s position. “Is it not an irony that the withholding of local government funds is happening under President Tinubu?” he added.
