President faults critics of Rivers emergency rule, says Tinubu deserves commendation

The Presidency has expressed concern over the rising criticism of President Tinubu over his declaration of a State of emergency in Rivers State. The decision has attracted all round criticism from several sections of the Nigerian society. The latest criticism, over the weekend, came from the Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and former President Goodluck Jonathan. But the presidency on Sunday, insisted that Tinubu, deserves commendation from critics, and not condemnation, adding that the prevalent calm in the State has vindicated the decision.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onauga in a statement, said the emergency declaration was temporary and a surgical operation aims at disarming the warring factions in Rivers State. According to him, the six month suspension would be lifted once stability is achieved, allowing the State governor and all elected officials to resume, He said Tinubu in line with his oath of office must safeguard the National stability and could not fold his arms and allow partisan conflicts to strangle the Nigerian economy.