ZLP Urges Tinubu to Prevent Political Destabilization in Rivers, Osun, Lagos

The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and restrain his political allies from actions that could destabilize Nigeria’s democracy.

The party cited ongoing political crises in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos states, warning of potential economic and political consequences if left unchecked.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Bauchi, ZLP National Chairman, Dan Nwanyanwu, condemned the rising tensions in these states, attributing them to 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 stated.

Warning of Potential Instability

He warned that the crisis in Rivers State could lead to instability reminiscent of the militant insurgency that once troubled 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,” Nwanyanwu cautioned.

While acknowledging the role of legal processes, he argued that political solutions are sometimes necessary.

He questioned the legitimacy of the 27 Rivers State lawmakers who defected from the party that sponsored their elections but later attempted to retract 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.

Criticism of Local Government Fund Withholding

Nwanyanwu also criticized the alleged withholding of local government funds, questioning the contradiction 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 urgency of Tinubu’s intervention, warning that further political instability could worsen Nigeria’s already fragile democracy, especially in a region where democratic governance is 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 said.

Nwanyanwu urged Tinubu to take immediate action, cautioning that allowing political tensions to persist could have grave implications for Nigeria’s democracy and economy.