The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has raised the alarm over escalating political tensions in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos states, warning that the situation could spiral out of control if not addressed urgently. In a statement released on Sunday, the party called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and prevent a repeat of past political crises.
Here’s a breakdown of the ZLP’s concerns and why they matter for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
The ZLP’s Warning
Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, the National Chairman of the ZLP, expressed deep concern over what he described as “anti-democratic developments” in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos states. He urged President Tinubu to intervene, particularly as the tensions are allegedly fueled by his political associates.
“We at ZLP sincerely bemoan the ugly and anti-democracy music booming in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos states. We call on President Tinubu to halt this disturbing trend,” Nwanyanwu stated.
Rivers State: A Crisis in Focus
The ZLP highlighted the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, where 27 state lawmakers defected from their party without a formal division at the national level. Nwanyanwu questioned the legality of their actions, noting that the lawmakers had initially sworn affidavits confirming their defection but later attempted to withdraw them.
“Even an unborn child can attest to the defection. There are public announcements, video recordings, and even a reception organized by their new party,” he said.
The party also condemned the withholding of funds and other political maneuvers exacerbating the crisis, warning that unchecked political privilege poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Historical Parallels
The ZLP drew parallels to past political crises, including the “Wild Wild West” era in the Southwest and the resurgence of militant activities in the Niger Delta. Nwanyanwu reminded President Tinubu of their shared history in the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s, emphasizing that many of today’s political players were absent during that era.
“This is how the Wild Wild West crisis started,” the ZLP cautioned. “Imagine the unintended consequences, including disruptions to oil flow, if this situation is not handled with care.”
Why This Matters
The ZLP’s warning underscores the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and the potential for political tensions to escalate into widespread unrest. Rivers State, in particular, is a critical economic hub, and any disruption could have severe consequences for the nation’s oil production and economy.
For President Tinubu, this is a test of his leadership and commitment to democratic principles. Swift and decisive action is needed to de-escalate tensions and restore stability.
What’s Next?
As the ZLP calls for intervention, the focus will be on President Tinubu’s response. Will he take steps to address the crises in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos states, or will the tensions continue to escalate?
The coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Nigeria’s political landscape.