By Prof Mondy Gold
Today, Nigeria stands on the precipice of a monumental decision—one that will echo through the annals of history and define the future of our beloved nation. The National Assembly finds itself confronted with a defining trial: to defend the sacred tenets of democracy, to safeguard the will of the people, and to rise above the clamor of political manipulation in order to preserve the unity and integrity of Nigeria. The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, coupled with the suspension of Governor Fubara and the unlawful imposition of a Sole Administrator, is not merely a local concern. It is an assault on the very foundation of our constitutional democracy.
As we bear witness to this fateful moment, the National Assembly must be held accountable for its response. The very essence of our democratic governance rests on its shoulders. Will the representatives of the people, entrusted with the responsibility to uphold the rule of law, act as defenders of justice, or will they succumb to the pernicious encroachment of authoritarianism disguised as governance? This is not a time for indecision or complacency. The Nigerian Diaspora, along with millions of patriotic citizens within our borders, stands united in vehement opposition to any unconstitutional and undemocratic acts perpetrated by President Bola Tinubu.
Each and every member of the National Assembly must ask themselves a solemn question: Is this the path we want for our nation? Do we wish to yield to the forces seeking to erode the democratic gains that countless Nigerians have shed blood for, or do we rise to the occasion and fight to preserve the freedoms we hold dear? The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is unequivocal—no individual or institution, regardless of rank or power, is above the law, and the sovereignty of the people must always be paramount.
As the National Assembly convenes today, the weight of this decision grows ever heavier. The question is no longer abstract—it is immediate, urgent, and critical: Can they rekindle the hopes of millions who still believe in the promise of a democratic Nigeria? Will they stand firm against the creeping tide of dictatorship and uphold the rule of law, or will they betray the sacred trust bestowed upon them by the Nigerian people? The answers to these questions will determine not just the fate of Rivers State but the very soul of Nigeria itself.
Now is the moment for unequivocal action, for steadfast courage, and for unflinching commitment to democracy. The eyes of the nation are upon the National Assembly, as are the eyes of the global community. Will our lawmakers rise to this challenge, or will this day mark the beginning of a dark chapter in the history of Nigeria—a chapter where democracy is relegated to the margins and the voices of the people silenced?
The future of Nigeria, the peace of Rivers State, and the stability of our great nation hang in the balance. We implore the National Assembly to act with the urgency, wisdom, and patriotism this moment demands. Let them choose wisely, for their actions today will resonate through generations to come, shaping the legacy they leave behind for our children and grandchildren.
Gold, President of Ijaw DiasporaCouncil
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