The Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and prevent his political allies from destabilizing Nigeria’s democracy.
The party referenced brewing crises in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos states, warning that they could lead to serious political and economic consequences.
The ZLP National Chairman, Dan Nwanyanwu, in a statement issued on Sunday in Bauchi, decried the ongoing political tension in these states, which he attributed to the actions of key figures allegedly loyal to the President—Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
“We of ZLP sincerely bemoan the ugly and anti-democratic developments in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos States. We call on President Tinubu to halt this less-than-melodic music forthwith, especially when it is allegedly emanating from his political surrogates,” Nwanyanwu said.
He cautioned against a repeat of past political crises, warning that the situation in Rivers State could trigger instability similar to the militant insurgency that once plagued the oil-rich Niger Delta.
“Imagine the unintended consequence if, in a less-than-transparent manner, His Excellency Sim Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, is impeached, and in reaction, the Ijaw boys start sabotaging oil flow,” he warned.
Nwanyanwu, who argued that while the ZLP acknowledges legal processes, said political solutions are sometimes necessary.
He questioned the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers in Rivers State who defected from the party that sponsored their elections, only to later attempt to withdraw affidavits confirming their defection.
“What is the legal status of these lawmakers, given that there was no division in their former party at the national level? Even an unborn child can attest to their defection, with video evidence and public announcements confirming their move,” he added.
He further criticized the withholding of local government funds, hinting at contradictions in Tinubu’s governance.
“Is it not ironic that under President Tinubu, local government funds are being withheld under questionable circumstances?” he asked.
The ZLP chairman stressed the need for Tinubu to act swiftly, warning that political instability in Nigeria could worsen at a time when democracy in the West African region is already in decline.
“In sum, ZLP submits that Mr. President’s intervention is urgent. We live in a region where democracy is regrettably in recession. This is how the Wild Wild West crisis began,” he stated.
Nwanyanwu urged Tinubu to take immediate action, cautioning that allowing political tensions to fester could lead to dire consequences for Nigeria’s democracy and economy.