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Funso Doherty, a former gubernatorial candidate for Lagos and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on Lagosians to take a firm stand against the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis in Rivers State, warning that allowing such an overreach could set a dangerous precedent for other states....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Doherty stressed that Lagos, given its political and economic significance, should be at the forefront of resisting actions that threaten democracy and the rule of law in the country.
“As the Yoruba adage says: Nkan ti o da, ko da. Ko loruko meji. That which is wrong is wrong, by any name, under any pretense. Lagos State, given its significance, ought to be at the forefront of resisting such actions, regardless of the motivations behind them,” he stated.
Doherty criticised the federal government’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers despite widespread opposition, including his own advice to the National Assembly.
He argued that the move was an attempt to undermine an elected state government under the guise of emergency rule.
“We have all witnessed the Federal Government’s approach to the situation in Rivers State, an approach that disregarded widespread counsel, including my own advice to the National Assembly,” he said.
He commended governors of the PDP who have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court to challenge what he described as a “blatant overreach” that threatens the separation of powers.
Doherty also expressed concern over the reliance on voice votes in the National Assembly to justify what he called an unconstitutional act, aligning with the position of the Nigerian Bar Association.
“If such flawed and dangerous precedents are allowed to stand, no state will be safe from similar federal overreach in the future. The erosion of democratic principles anywhere is a threat to democracy everywhere,” he warned.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant, stressing that democracy requires active defense.
“This moment underscores an essential truth: democracy demands vigilance. It is not just a privilege to speak up; it is a responsibility. The stakes are high, and the consequences far-reaching,” Doherty concluded…CONTINUE READING>>
