Tinubu Should Declare State Of Emergency On Security, Economy – Ndume

Abuja, Nigeria– Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation and ailing economy, saying these are the critical challenges that demand urgent national attention.

Ndume made the call on Friday during an interview on Politics Daily, a Channels Television programme, where he expressed disapproval of Tinubu’s recent declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as a misplaced priority.

“Let the President forget about everything and concentrate on three things – security, welfare of citizens, and economy,” Ndume said.

“His attention should go there as number one, then he should create a state of emergency in those areas.”

The lawmaker criticised President Tinubu’s action on March 18, which saw the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly for six months following a prolonged political crisis.

The president, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as an interim administrator to oversee the state.

However, Senator Ndume, who described himself as a democrat, said Tinubu’s action in Rivers State came as a surprise, especially as it bypassed efforts to resolve the conflict through political dialogue.

“I feel that the President would have worked seriously on bringing them (the political actors) together and solving the problem rather than declaring a state of emergency,” Ndume said.

“Call them, seat them down and say, ‘Go and sort your problem.’”

He also dismissed reports that the political leaders in Rivers State defied Tinubu’s initial peace directives, insisting that the president could have exerted his influence more constructively.

“How can you ignore the President? When he removed them now, did they ignore the removal?” Ndume asked rhetorically.

The senator’s remarks come amid growing concerns about Nigeria’s economic hardship, rising inflation, and persistent insecurity, particularly in the northern region.

Armed banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings have continued to claim lives and displace communities across several states.

Ndume warned that unless the federal government redirects its energy to tackling the root causes of insecurity and economic instability, the country’s future could be at serious risk.

“As a nation, we cannot continue to politicize or ignore the real threats to our unity and survival,” he said. “What Nigerians want is safety, jobs, and food on the table. The President must now act decisively where it matters most.”