State Of Emergency In Rivers: Citizens Demand Immediate Reversal

A coalition of prominent Rivers State citizens has issued a strongly worded letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, condemning his recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly.
In a letter addressed to the President and copied to the National Assembly and the international community, the signatories – comprising seasoned journalists, legal minds, human rights advocates, and civil society leaders accused President Tinubu of committing a “blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of the people of Rivers State” and an “ultra vires abuse of executive power.”
The signatories include notable figures such as Donu Kogbara, Ibiba DonPedro, Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Ibim Semenitari, and Lloyd Ukwu of NADECO USA. They argued that the decision to impose emergency rule violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines strict conditions under which such declarations may be made none of which, they say, were met in this instance.
“Your actions are not only dangerously unconstitutional but also undermine the democratic principles that our nation was founded upon,” the letter stated. “This is a clear attempt to subvert the will of the people and consolidate power in the hands of the federal government.”
The group also questioned the legitimacy of the reasons provided for the emergency, particularly citing the reported pipeline explosion as insufficient grounds. They alleged the federal government may have been misled by manufactured events, demanding a thorough investigation into those responsible for creating such conditions.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s democratic history, the signatories reminded President Tinubu of his pro-democracy credentials during the annulled June 12, 1993 elections. “These actions suggest a willingness to undermine the very democratic values which you fought for,” they wrote.
In conclusion, the group demanded the immediate lifting of the state of emergency, reinstatement of the suspended officials, and a recommitment to constitutional governance and democratic integrity in Rivers State.
The controversy continues to draw national and international attention, with observers watching closely to see whether the Presidency will heed the call or stand by its decision.