Breaking: “National Assembly Leaders Are Corrupt,” Atiku Speaks on Approval of Rivers Emergency Rule

• Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the leadership of the National Assembly of corruption
• In an interview, Atiku criticised their endorsement of President Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers state and suspension of Governor Fubara
• The ex-presidential candidate stated that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has a history of questionable conduct dating back to his tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom state

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said that the National Assembly leaders are corrupt.

Atiku insists National Assembly leaders are corrupt

In an interview granted to Adesuwa Osagie Giwa, anchor of the Untold Series, Atiku Abubakar criticised their endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's emergency rule in Rivers state.

Legit.ng reported that on Tuesday, March 18, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers state, citing escalating political unrest and security concerns.

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Tinubu also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers state governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for six months.

The president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice admiral, as the sole administrator and charged him with the management of the state without enacting new laws.

Also, President Tinubu commended the leadership of the National Assembly for working to ensure normalcy is restored in Rivers state.

Interestingly, the National Assembly came under heavy criticism for approving the emergency rule in Rivers with a voice vote.

Atiku reacts as National Assembly backs Fubara's suspension

However, in an interview granted to Adesuwa Osagie Giwa, Atiku Abubakar criticised the National Assembly's decision and backing of Tinubu's declaration in Rivers.

Atiku said:

"I was not surprised because I know the leadership is corrupt and I have no apologies about that.

"And they could do anything. And the Senate President is known actually to be having those type of character even when he was a governor."

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Tinubu’s emergency rule: “How Fubara can regain control of Rivers,” Atiku’s aide mentions steps

Watch Atiku's full interview below:

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• Rivers emergency rule: “What Wike stands to benefit from Tinubu’s declaration,” Top analyst speaks
• Rivers emergency rule: “What Tinubu’s declaration will cause in Niger Delta region,” analyst speaks
• Rivers crisis: Tinubu meets with south-south monarchs

How Fubara can regain control of Rivers, Atiku’s aide speaks

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Ademola Olarewaju, Atiku Abubakar’s aide, has advised suspended Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to use his six-month suspension period to remain politically relevant.

In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Olarewaju said President Tinubu forced Fubara to go on break by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers state and suspending the governor.

Atiku's aide criticised FCT minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of fueling the political crisis in Rivers and therefore challenged him to prove his influence in 2027.

Source: Legit.ng