Tinubu Should Remove Governors’ Immunity, Declare State of Emergency, Impose Military Rule in States — Bolaji Akinyemi
Prominent political figure Bolaji Akinyemi has made a stirring call for President Bola Tinubu to take extraordinary measures in dealing with Nigeria’s security crisis. He argues that the President should remove the constitutional immunity enjoyed by state governors, declare a nationwide state of emergency, and even impose military rule in states where violence and disorder are rampant.
Akinyemi’s argument centers on what he describes as “unacceptable levels of insecurity and impunity” among some state leaders. According to him, the immunity clause shields governors from accountability, allowing dangerous leaders to act without fear of intervention. To him, revoking immunity would make governors more responsible and responsive to the needs of citizens, especially in states wrestling with widespread violence.
He also contends that a state of emergency would give the federal government more power to intervene decisively in troubled regions, redirecting resources and strengthening security infrastructure. In Akinyemi’s view, military oversight in states should not be seen as a power grab but as a necessary measure to restore order until civilian structures can reassert stability.
While his proposals are bold and controversial, Akinyemi insists that Nigeria cannot afford business-as-usual politics in the face of escalating threats. He underscores the urgency of structural reform and the need for Tinubu to act not just as a political leader, but as a national security president.
