Rivers Crisis: Coalition Seeks UN Sanctions Against Nigeria

The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, marked by the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the governor, has escalated to an international level. A coalition of almost 30 civil society groups has urged the United Nations to impose sanctions on Nigeria if the country fails to reinstate democratic governance in Rivers State.
In a petition filed with the UN Human Rights Committee, the coalition, led by Egondu Esinwoke and Courage Nsirimovu, accused the Nigerian government of violating the country’s constitution and undermining democratic principles.
They demanded that the UN pressure the Nigerian President to restore democratic governance in Rivers State or face sanctions for failing to uphold its commitment to democracy.
The petition highlighted the actions of former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, who is accused of orchestrating the crisis.
The coalition claimed that Wike, in his previous role, misused public funds to influence political appointments and manipulated the political process, leading to the current conflict.
The petition claimed that Wike, during his governorship, exerted undue influence over the selection of political candidates and public officials, creating a system of patronage and undermining democratic processes.
The coalition alleged that Wike orchestrated an attempt to impeach the current governor, Sim Fubara, when Fubara refused to follow Wike’s directives. This led to the defection of 27 lawmakers to the ruling party, allegedly at the behest of Wike, in an attempt to create a majority supporting the impeachment.
The coalition claimed that Wike, with the support of his loyalist lawmakers, manipulated the legal system and pressured the President to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
This move, they argued, violated the Nigerian constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly to approve a state of emergency.
The coalition expressed concern over the potential for further human rights violations and instability in Rivers State due to the ongoing crisis. They also stressed the importance of upholding the Nigerian Constitution and ensuring that the government respects democratic principles.
The coalition’s petition to the UN reflects the growing international concern about the erosion of democracy in Nigeria. The outcome of this petition remains to be seen, but it highlights the critical need for Nigeria to address the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and uphold its commitment to democratic principles.