Table of Contents
- Opposition to State of Emergency
- Remarks on Military Support
- Concerns About Elections
- Call for Action
- Final Thoughts
Public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has voiced his opposition to the suggestion of declaring a state of emergency to address insecurity in Nigeria, labeling it a scheme to undermine democracy.
Mr. Shehu expressed these views on Monday in a post on X, responding to reports that some retired senior military officers endorsed the proposal made by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd), for a state of emergency due to terrorism.
He contended that such a measure would not serve the best interests of Nigerians but would instead act as a trap to delay elections and provide certain factions with greater access to public finances.
“This appears to be a conspiracy to circumvent elections and postpone the much-dreaded polls from a constituency that shares guilt with both politicians and voters, or may even be guiltier,” Shehu stated.
He noted that those advocating for this idea are aware that under emergency rule, “they will gain more importance and the treasury will be more readily accessible.”
Mr. Shehu cautioned Nigerians against falling for what he termed a defeatist scheme, emphasizing that the focus should instead be on demanding good governance and accountability.
“No reasonable Nigerian should fall for this dangerous trap of emergency rule,” he asserted.
“What Nigerians must continue to insist on is nothing less than good governance, genuine democracy, an end to corruption, and the protection of lives and property.”
He warned that if the advocates of emergency rule succeed for selfish, greedy, and shortsighted reasons, the country would suffer a loss greater than just democracy itself.
“Even if they escape, they too will become part of the casualties,” Shehu concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Mahdi Shehu oppose the state of emergency?
Mahdi Shehu opposes the state of emergency because he believes it is a conspiracy to undermine democracy and could delay elections while allowing certain groups to access public funds.
What does Shehu suggest Nigerians focus on instead?
Shehu suggests that Nigerians should focus on demanding good governance, true democracy, an end to corruption, and the security of lives and properties.
