The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has issued a fervent call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly in protecting Nigeria’s democracy from what it describes as an imminent threat posed by political surrogates in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos states.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, the National Chairman of ZLP, expressed grave concern over what he termed “anti-democratic music” playing out in these states. He warned that if left unchecked, the political unrest could lead Nigeria down a perilous path reminiscent of past crises that threatened the nation’s stability.
“We at the ZLP sincerely bemoan the ugly and anti-democratic music booming in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos States. We call on President Tinubu to halt this discord immediately, especially when it is allegedly emanating from his political surrogates—Ministers Nyesom Wike, Oyetola, and Honourable Obasa of the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Nwanyanwu stated.
The ZLP Chairman cautioned against allowing Osun and Lagos states to relive the chaos of the infamous ‘Wild Wild West’ political crisis while Rivers State risks plunging back into oil militancy due to growing political tensions.
The party’s concerns stem from a series of political crises that have embroiled multiple states, leading to heightened tensions and Supreme Court interventions. Nwanyanwu specifically questioned the legal status of the 27 defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, challenging their continued hold on power despite abandoning their original party.
“What is the legal standing of 27 lawmakers who defected from the political party that sponsored them to another party without a division at the national level? Even an unborn child can attest to the fact that they have left their original party, as evidenced by their public announcements and the reception organized by their new party,” he emphasized.
While acknowledging the rule of law, Nwanyanwu insisted that certain political crises demand urgent political solutions, as prolonged legal battles could further endanger Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
He further decried alleged attempts by the defected lawmakers to withdraw affidavits they had previously sworn to, in an effort to retain their legislative seats. “They want to eat their cake and still have it,” he lamented.
The ZLP warned that should Governor Sim Fubara be impeached in a questionable manner, the consequences could be dire, including potential sabotage of oil production by restive groups.
“Imagine the unintended consequence if, in a less than transparent manner, His Excellency Sim Fubara is impeached, and in reaction, Ijaw youths start sabotaging oil flow. The economic repercussions would be devastating,” Nwanyanwu cautioned.
Citing Nigeria’s position in a region where democracy is struggling to survive, the ZLP insisted that President Tinubu’s intervention is urgently needed to prevent further instability.
“Abuse of privilege and power is becoming the order of the day. We cannot keep quiet. When we struggled for democracy in 1993 under M.K.O Abiola’s house as our meeting point, these current actors were nowhere near the fight for democracy,” Nwanyanwu reminded the public.
The ZLP’s plea highlights growing concerns over Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, as political turmoil continues to fester.
Whether President Tinubu heeds the call remains to be seen, but the warning from the ZLP is clear—Nigeria’s democracy is at a crossroads, and the time to act is now.
