Former presidential media aide, Reno Omokri, has criticized veteran journalist Dr. Reuben Abati for calling for President Bola Tinubu’s impeachment over the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Abati, speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, described Tinubu’s decision as unconstitutional and urged the National Assembly to take action against him.
However, Omokri defended the President, arguing that Tinubu acted within the legal framework established by the National Assembly under the Emergency Powers (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill of 2018, which grants the President authority to suspend a state governor in emergency situations.
Judicial Review, Not Impeachment, the Right Approach – Omokri
Omokri contended that if Abati or others disagreed with the law, the appropriate course of action would be to seek judicial interpretation rather than call for impeachment.
He further accused Abati of spreading misinformation by labeling Tinubu a “dictator” for granting regulatory powers to the Rivers State Administrator.
“The administrator will not create new laws but can issue regulations, which are subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President,” Omokri stated.
He also criticized Abati’s remarks, saying, “It would be very sad for Nigeria’s educational system if a PhD holder like Dr. Abati does not know the difference between a regulation and a law. A law sets the legal framework for governance, while regulations provide detailed rules for compliance.”
Omokri cautioned against using media platforms to call for presidential impeachment based on what he described as a “limited understanding of the law,” warning that such rhetoric could fuel political instability.
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