On Tuesday, March 18th, 2025, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a national broadcast declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following a prolonged political tussle between the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubura, and 27 members of the House of Assembly backed by the Minister of the Federal capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The declaration of the state of emergency, which was endorsed by the two chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday, March 20 has drawn sharp reactions from different parties and stakeholders. Emmanuel Obe highlights some of the reactions from stakeholders.
South-South Governors’ Forum in a communiqué, said the declaration did not conform with constitutional provisions and urged that steps be taken to reduce tension and encourage dialogue. The communiqué signed by the Chairman of the South-South Governors, Forum, Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State stated as follows:
The South-South Governors’ Forum notes the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a constituent part of our Forum, and the suspension of two democratic institutions.
We recognise the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as we are equally mandated to securing peace and stability in our states.
However, the South-South Governors’ Forum expresses concern that the current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended). This section suggests that such a declaration should be considered under specific conditions like war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers.
It is also worth noting that the Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as detailed in Section 188, and similar provisions exist for the removal of members of the House of Assembly and the dissolution of parliament. In the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered.
We believe that the political disputes in Rivers State between the Governor and the House of Assembly should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat.
To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.
In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The moment for dialogue is now. Also suspend Wike-Rivers Elder Council.
Rivers Elders and Leaders Council Forum led by former Rivers State Governor, Rufus Ada-George, in their reaction to the declaration of state of emergency called for a similar suspension of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. Below is the text of their communiqué:
Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum was part of a meeting held on Tuesday, 11th March 2025, with Mr. President and PANDEF, to find lasting solutions to the political crisis in Rivers State. In the meeting, Mr. President directed that all parties in dispute should go home, work together in implementing the Supreme Court judgment and the rule of law and seek his help if needed.
No sooner had that meeting held, than the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, provoked the air, through a media chat, where he abused and threatened individuals, communities, and ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta. Central to that abuse and tribal denigration was the Ijaw Nation and PANDEF. Beyond that, the minister went on to make several unprintable comments on individuals, including our revered late Chief Sen. Edwin Clark and several others. If there is any culprit who has inflamed the political atmosphere; to push it to this level, it is Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Hon. Minister of Federal Capital Territory. Let it be known by all Nigerians, there are three parties in this matter: Governor Siminialayi Fubara, the Rivers State House of Assembly members, and Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT.
It was well circulated on electronic and social media that the explosions experienced in Gokana and Onelga had earlier been predicted by Chief Barr Wike on his media chat. He was quoted as saying: _”What nonsense is that? Who told you Ogoni people cannot break pipelines? Who told you Ikwerre people cannot blow up pipelines? Who told you Ekpeye people cannot blow up pipelines?”The above statements were set up designed to create tension and disharmony; to create a perceived state of anarchy, and to make the President declare state of emergency in Rivers State.
For Mr. President to single out Gov. Sim Fubara and the Honourable members of the Rivers State House Assembly for suspension, without taking any disciplinary action on his Minister , Chief Nyesom Wike, for gross public misconduct, is a clear miscarriage of justice and it is condemnable.
If Gov. Fubara and the lawmakers are facing a six-month suspension, it’s only fair and just that Chief Wike, the Minister of FCT, should also face a similar six-month suspension. This move would ensure that justice is served and that all parties involved in the unfortunate crisis are held accountable for their actions.
It is on record that Gov. Siminialayi Fubara made genuine efforts to present the budget as directed within the specified period. He wrote to the House through his SSG, it was rejected. He went to the House of Assembly himself, only to be locked out by the lawmakers. Following this development, the Governor formally notified the Assembly of his intention to present the budget on March 19, 2025, or any other date convenient to the House within that month. Despite all these efforts, the lawmakers failed to respond. Instead, they adjourned plenary indefinitely, and resumed on Monday, only to serve an impeachment notice on the Governor and Deputy Governor. These actions were clearly intended to prevent the Governor from presenting the budget, as directed by the Supreme Court, and to provide a pretext for the President to impose a state of emergency as he has done now on Rivers State.
The President’s portrayal of Governor Sim Fubara as non-compliant, while disregarding the misconduct of the 27 House of Assembly members, is misleading and unfair. By doing so, the President has created a narrative that places the blame solely on the Governor which is not the true position of the events. This biased perspective overlooks the role of the lawmakers, acting apparently, under the influence and direction of the minister of FCT, thus, perpetuating an unjust and one-sided view of the situation.
At Abalama, Chief Nyesom Wike mobilized the full strength of the Nigerian military for a simple social event, despite the traditional institution in Kalabari kingdom rejecting the event and calling for all social gatherings on that corridor to be cancelled in the best interest of peace. This move raises questions about Chief Wike’s priorities and respect for traditional authority and peace.
Furthermore, it’s clear that the lawmakers’ non-compliance with the President’s directive is linked to Chief Wike’s alleged influence, as they appear to be acting at his behest.
The President’s broadcast described Rivers State as the “State without a Government” implying a complete absence of Government, law, and order. Regrettably, this characterization is quite misleading, especially considering the recent legislative activities in the state. Only last week, lawmakers hastily passed three bills and served the Governor and his Deputy with impeachment notices, which suggests that the arm of government is functioning thus confirming that government business is ongoing.
This move appears to be a tactical maneuver to discredit the Government, giving it a bad name to justify the imposition of a state of emergency. Unfortunately, the President’s statement has misinformed the public, creating an inaccurate narrative about the situation in Rivers State.
The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum acknowledges with due regard, the President’s authority to ensure peace and stability nationwide. However, it raises concerns when a key player in the crisis, Chief Barr Nyesom Wike is left untouched, unpunished, there by undermining the sacred principles of fairness and justice.
We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian Bar Association, Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Arewa Consultative Forum, PANDEF, INC, and other pro-democratic organizations and individuals across the country and beyond in condemning the unconstitutional, undemocratic, and uncivilized invasion of Rivers State. To this end, we urge all like-minded individuals who champion good over evil to recognize that the threat to one part of Nigeria today, may become a reality elsewhere in the country tomorrow. We therefore invite all peaceful loving Nigerians to join us in this fight for social justice and political freedom.
Finally, we join the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in appealing for calm, orderliness and continued peace in Rivers State. May God bless and protect Rivers State and her people.
The signatories to the communiqué were Ada-George, Alabo Dr. Gabriel Toby, Former Deputy Governor, Admiral O.P. Fingesi (Rtd), former Member, Armed Forces Ruling Council, Sen. Bennett Birabi. Sen. Andrew Uchendu, Ms. Annkio Briggs and Prof. Emeritus Dagogo.
It’s Betrayal, PANDEF Accuses Tinubu
In a strongly worded communiqué, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, accusing him of a “stab in the back” to the Niger Delta region.
The group, comprising prominent Niger Delta leaders, expressed shock and dismay at the president’s move, which they described as a “brazen” assault on democratic governance. They highlighted the timing of the declaration, coming just days after a high-level South-South delegation, including traditional rulers and former governors, met with President Tinubu to discuss peace and reconciliation in the region.
PANDEF noted that President Tinubu had encouraged PANDEF’s peace efforts and urged Governor Fubara to comply with a Supreme Court ruling regarding the state budget.
Following the meeting, Minister Nyesom Wike, a key figure in the Rivers State crisis, made derogatory remarks against PANDEF leaders, without any apparent reprimand from the president.
Governor Fubara, in compliance with the president’s directive, attempted to present the budget to the State House of Assembly, but the assembly adjourned indefinitely.
The assembly then initiated impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy.
PANDEF wrote to the president expressing frustration over the lack of cooperation from the minister and the assembly.
The president then declared a state of emergency, removing the governor, deputy governor, and the entire assembly.
PANDEF argued that the president’s action contradicted his previous stance on state of emergency declarations, citing his criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s similar move in 2013. They also questioned the justification for the declaration, pointing out that pipeline explosions, while condemned, are not unique to Rivers State, and that other states facing severe security challenges have not been subjected to such measures.
The group also highlighted that court cases regarding the assembly were still pending, and that the supreme court judgment did not conclude those cases.
PANDEF therefore demanded that the National Assembly should reject the president’s declaration but said it will continue to pursue peace and work with all parties involved using all constitutional remedies.
It’s Unconstitutional – Amaechi
Former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, condemned the declaration of state of Emergency as undemocratic and unconstitutional. In a statement he made, the former governor said,
Unequivocally, I condemn the rather brazen and unilaterally reckless suspension and removal of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
With this singular move, Mr President has technically suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State. This clearly violates our Constitution, the same Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that Mr. President swore to uphold.
The group also highlighted that court cases regarding the assembly were still pending, and that the supreme court judgment did not conclude those cases.
PANDEF therefore demanded that the National Assembly should reject the president’s declaration but said it will continue to pursue peace and work with all parties involved using all constitutional remedies.
It’s Unconstitutional – Amaechi
Former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, condemned the declaration of state of Emergency as undemocratic and unconstitutional. In a statement he made, the former governor said,
Unequivocally, I condemn the rather brazen and unilaterally reckless suspension and removal of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
With this singular move, Mr President has technically suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State. This clearly violates our Constitution, the same Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that Mr. President swore to uphold.
Section 188 of the Nigeria Constitution, clearly stipulates how a State Governor can be removed from office. And it does not include a fiat declaration, decree or promulgation by Mr. President. Therefore, he cannot appropriate such powers to himself.
A democratically elected State Governor cannot be removed from office by a proclamation of Mr. President. The suspension of two key democratically elected arms of Government in Rivers State by Mr. President evidently violates our Constitution, even within the scope and interpretation of Section 305 that the President cited in his broadcast.
The unlawful suspension of elected democratic institutions in my dear Rivers State points to a brazen attempt at power grab in the State by forces and persons who do not have such Constitutional powers. The unfolding events in Rivers State in the past months, points to a clear orchestrated plot by some persons to unconstitutionally perpetrate and impose themselves on the people.
At this inauspicious moment in our nation’s trajectory, all people of goodwill and conscience should rise to oppose this audacious violation of our Constitution and rape of our democracy. Mr President must be made to know and understand in unmistakable terms that this illegality cannot stand.
Politicians across divides should speak up; rise to halt our nation’s descent into totalitarianism. State Governors and Legislators should speak up now. I urge the National Assembly to reject this illegality.
As a former State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum(NGF), I am not unaware of the role elected Governors in the country can play to halt this descent and reverse the unlawful actions of Mr. President. I commend the Governors that have spoken against the unlawful suspension.
The suspension is a very dangerous affront on Nigeria’s Constitution and democracy.
Blame the 27 Legislators – Fubara
The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara in his first reaction blamed the members of the House of Assembly for the failed effort to present the budget of the state as ordered by the Supreme Court. Below is a press statement he issued:
My dear Rivers People, I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.
Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.
Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.
Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
Obi Faults National Assembly Voice Vote
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised the state of democracy in Nigeria, describing it as compromised and devoid of genuine opposition. He made this known while reacting to the recent parliamentary vote, which he said exposed the fundamental weaknesses in the country’s democratic structure.
According to Obi, democracy cannot thrive where there is no functional opposition. He argued that opposition is a critical pillar of any democratic system, as it ensures accountability, promotes good governance, and provides alternative viewpoints.
“The parliamentary vote held yesterday clearly demonstrates that democracy, in its true sense, does not exist in Nigeria. Where there is no functional opposition, democracy cannot thrive,” Obi stated.
Drawing comparisons with other democratic nations, Obi pointed to countries like South Africa and Indonesia as examples of functioning systems where proportional representation and strict party discipline help preserve democratic values.
“In South Africa, for example, the National Assembly has 400 seats. The African National Congress (ANC) received about 40% of the vote and holds approximately 160 seats, while the Democratic Alliance (DA), with about 20% of the vote, holds around 80 seats—alongside several other parties. Those who contested the presidential election remain the recognised leaders of their respective parties,” he said.
Obi also highlighted Indonesia’s model, where laws prohibit elected officials from switching parties without forfeiting their seats—ensuring party loyalty and protecting the mandate of the electorate.
“If such systems were in place in Nigeria,” he said, “the Senate, which consists of 109 seats, would more accurately reflect electoral outcomes—with the APC holding 44 seats, the PDP 33 (under the leadership of Atiku Abubakar), and the Labour Party 27 (under my leadership). Ideally, the House of Representatives should mirror this balance, with approximately 144 APC members, 108 PDP members, and 90 Labour Party members.”
“What we are left with is not a genuine democratic system, but one that is transactional, compromised, and, in many respects, resembles organised criminality,” Obi said.
Pressure The President – Edeanah
Chiedu Edeanah, a literary critic and public commentator, said called on democracy activists to put pressure on President Tinubu to tone down on his dictatorial tendencies.
The Ruthless Dictatorship Is In Full Bloom: Very Bleak Days And Years Ahead.
Where Are The So-Called Democracy Activists Now In Bed With T-Pain Of Course Doing? It’s a time for those who suffer from all of these indignities to resist what’s being unjustly meted out to them.
This is surely not going to end well for those who instigated the anarchy in Rivers State and those who want to cash out from it.
Nigeria is going to definitely outlive all of you…
Declaration Has No Legal Basis – Ozekhome
Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN, said President Tinubu’s suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly, was an unconstitutional overreach. He argues that:
No Legal Basis:
President Tinubu lacks any constitutional or statutory authority to unilaterally remove elected state officials, saying echoes the excesses of military rule, contradicting Nigeria’s democratic principles.
According to him, the emergency provisions of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution do not empower the president to dissolve state governments.
He also said the President’s action violates the principles of federalism and separation of powers.
Arguing that the Constitution outlines a specific process for removing a governor (Section 188), which the president bypassed, the learned senior advocate said that under a state of emergency, elected officials should remain unless legally impeached.
Giving a historical precedents, Ozekhome warned, thatpast instances of emergency rule (e.g., Plateau State 2004, Western Region 1962) demonstrate the potential for abuse of power.
On the role of the National Assembly, he advised the National Assembly to reject the president’s action, as it was taken without their prior approval.
Citing Section 11(4) of the Constitution that prohibits the National Assembly from removing a governor or deputy governor, he said the Constitution must be upheld to prevent a descent into authoritarianism.
The “expressio unius est exclusio alterius” principle dictates that powers not explicitly granted cannot be assumed.
He therefore called for strict adherence to the rule of law, which in this case means that constitutional rules that govern how to remove elected officials be adhered to.
He criticizes the president for using the emergency powers to what he views as an illegal end.
President, ill-advised – Senator Ojudu
Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a former presidential adviser wondered who advised the President to declare the state of emergency, saying it was capable of igniting violence and instability in the Niger Delta. Ojudu’s widely circulated press statement was titled, Back to Ground Zero: Who Advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Do This?
I have just picked up my phone after breaking my fast to find multiple missed calls and countless messages about an alarming development: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
If this is true, then I must ask: Who advised the President to take this course of action? Whoever it is, they are certainly not a friend of his administration, nor do they have the best interests of Nigeria at heart.
How could the President willingly walk into a raging inferno with his eyes wide open? No, no, no… this must be the work of fifth columnists. The Tinubu I once knew would not have made such a reckless and unnecessary decision.
To what end? This is a simple political dispute that requires a simple solution. Call the two gladiators, sit them down, and read them the riot act. One of them, after all, is your own appointee. What will it benefit you, Mr. President, to keep Wike and lose the Nigerian economy?
The Dangerous Economic Implications of This Decision
Does the President realize that the Niger Delta crisis twice pushed Nigeria into recession under President Muhammadu Buhari.
Has he been informed that at one point, Nigeria’s oil production collapsed to below 400,000 barrels per day, down from 2.5 million barrels per day? That catastrophic drop in production was a direct result of political mismanagement and conflict in the region.
It took years of painstaking effort and immense risks to stabilize the region, stop the sabotage of oil infrastructure, and restore some level of production. I should know—I was part of that difficult and excruciating process.
This decision threatens to undo all that progress.
If the situation escalates, we risk another shutdown of vital oil production facilities. We risk renewed pipeline sabotage, illegal oil bunkering, and militant activities. We risk another economic nosedive—at a time when Nigeria can least afford it.
The global oil market is unforgiving. Investors do not wait for internal political conflicts to be resolved. They simply take their capital elsewhere.
Mr. President, this is not just about Rivers State. It is about Nigeria’s economic survival.
And What About the Soldiers Fighting to Keep Nigeria Safe?
While we waste energy escalating political battles in Rivers State, thousands of Nigerian soldiers are still fighting for their lives—and for the nation’s survival—against insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers in the North East, North West, and North Central.
These are the real emergencies. These are the crises that demand decisive leadership.
The men and women of our armed forces are stretched thin, battling terrorists and criminal networks daily. They do not need yet another crisis to divert resources and attention.
Nigeria cannot afford to be fighting on multiple fronts—politically, economically, and militarily. Mr. President, do not open a new war front in Rivers State while real wars are still raging elsewhere.
This Is Not the Way to Manage This Crisis, Mr. President
This portends disaster—for your administration, for the economy, and for the nation.
A state of emergency is not a strategy—it is an admission of failure. There are far more effective, far less destructive ways to handle this situation.
I urge you, Mr. President, to rethink this decision before irreparable damage is done.
PDP Rejects Emergency Rule
A press statement by the National Publicity of the party, Debo Ologunagba, read,
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and indeed, Nigerians listened with dismay the national broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in which the President, in utter violation of the 1999 Constitution pronounced an imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The PDP rejects this attempt by the President to override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and undermine the votes and Will of the people of Rivers State by seeking to depose a democratic government and foist an undemocratic rule in the State.
The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to govern the State is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy, an abrogation of the votes and democratic right of the people of Rivers State to choose their leader under the Constitution.
The action of Mr. President therefore clearly borders on attempt at state capture. It is the climax of a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers State for which the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been bent on stoking crisis to ensure that democracy is ultimately truncated in the State.
Nigerians are invited to note that the situation in Rivers State and the reasons adduced by the President cannot justify the declaration of a state of emergency in the State under the 1999 Constitution, rendering the declaration completely incompetent.
The PDP alerts that the unwarranted imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is part of the larger vicious plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate opposition, impose a totalitarian one-Party State and turn the country into a fiefdom
In any case, nothing in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution relied upon by the President in the declaration grants him the exclusive powers to declare or execute the declaration of a state of emergency without recourse to the statutory approval of the National Assembly.
For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) provides that “The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation including the details of the emergency to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation”.
Mr. President should recognize that his order to an unelected individual to forthwith take over government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis, threat to the peace and stability of not only Rivers State but the entire nation.
For emphasis, Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years which tenure cannot be unconstitutionally abridged.
The PDP therefore cautions Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and ensure that he does not take any action or step which is capable of derailing smooth democratic Governance in Rivers State. Nigeria is not under a military rule where the Governance of a State is by appointment by a junta.
It’s Unconstitutional – Concerned Leaders and Stakeholders
A group known as the Concerned Leaders And Political Stakeholders at a press conference condemned President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it’s unconstitutional and a subversion of democracy. Their key points were:
The declaration was unconstitutional Actions: The president’s suspension of the elected governor, deputy governor, and state assembly is illegal.
It violates the constitution, which doesn’t grant the president the power to remove elected state officials.
The declaration is seen as an imposition of autocratic federal control.
Misuse of Emergency Powers:
The president misused Section 305 of the constitution, which allows for a state of emergency only in extreme cases (war, breakdown of order, etc.), none of which apply to Rivers State.
The president bypassed due process, as a state of emergency requires National Assembly approval.
Alternative legal avenues, such as National Assembly intervention under Section 11, were ignored.
Political Motivation:
The declaration is seen as a power grab, fueled by political maneuvering and the defection of assembly members.
The excuse of pipeline vandalism was considered untenable, they accused the president of showing bias.
The group demanded for the immediate reversal of the state of emergency and rejection of the action by the National Assembly.
They also called for judicial intervention to strike down the proclamation, and called on Nigerians to defend democracy.
They warned against manufacturing political crises that could destabilize the Niger Delta and Nigeria and emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional governance and preventing a return to authoritarianism.
They said the action set a dangerous precedent for the future of Nigerian democracy.
Authoritarian Outreach – CLO, Rivers State
The Civil Liberties Organisation, Rivers State chapter sid in a press statement by Sunny Dada and Christian Oyegbule, titled, Declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State: An Authoritarian Overreach, said, “The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not only an overreach of executive powers but also an assault on democratic principles and the will of the people.
“This drastic action comes amid an orchestrated political crisis fueled by centrifugal forces operating from within and outside the state.
“It is deeply concerning that rather than addressing the root cause of the conflict, the unconstitutional maneuvers of a factionalized State House of Assembly tacitly backed by the Federal Government has chosen to penalize the entire state, placing the lives and livelihoods of millions at risk.
“Instead of ensuring the unhindered and impartial enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling and calling all conflict actors to order, the President has opted for an extreme measure that further endangers the peace and stability of the region.
“The refusal of President Tinubu to condemn the actions of key conflict actors, who have actively perpetuated this crisis, is both disappointing and unacceptable.
“By emboldening political actors who thrive on division and conflict, the Federal Government has signaled its complicity in the ongoing subversion of democracy in Rivers State.
“The implications of this unjustifiable state of emergency are far-reaching and will further escalate the rhetoric of division thus pushing communities further apart, deepening mistrust, and eroding the fragile threads of unity that once held the state together.
“Perhaps, it is instructive to note and draw the president’s attention to the following implications of his actions: Threat to Democracy: The president’s action sets a dangerous precedent where political disagreements, instead of being resolved through constitutional means, are met with authoritarian crackdowns.
“Economic Consequences: Rivers State is a key contributor to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The declaration of a state of emergency threatens investor confidence, disrupts governance, and may lead to a downturn in economic activities.
“Security Risks: Already, militants in the region have threatened to resume the vandalization of oil pipelines in response to the political instability and threats of impeachment against the governor. The Federal Government’s heavy-handed approach will only exacerbate tensions, increasing the risk of violent unrest that could plunge the entire region into avoidable crisis.
“Impact on the average rivers citizen and non-indigenes who live do business in the state: The people of Rivers State and others who live and do business in the state will bear the brunt of this reckless decision. Essential government functions will be disrupted, businesses will suffer, and insecurity will be heightened, further worsening the socioeconomic conditions of the populace.
“We therefore urge the president to initiate the following actions:
“Immediate Reversal: The president should rescind the state of emergency and reinstate the duly elected officials in order to restore constitutional order.
“Impartial Investigation: An independent panel should be constituted to investigate the root causes of the crisis to ensure accountability and justice.
“Dialogue and Reconciliation: All stakeholders must engage in constructive and respectful dialogue to resolve the political impasse and prioritize the interests of Rivers State.
“Respect for Judicial Decisions: The president should mandate all relevant government institutions to create the right environment for the implementation of prevailing judicial pronouncements without bias or hindrance.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Rivers State and reaffirm our commitment to democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
“In view of this, we demand the immediate reversal of the state of emergency and call on the Federal Government to uphold the rule of law by ensuring that all conflict actors adhere to the Supreme Court ruling in good faith. All parties must return to constitutional and democratic processes in order to resolve political disputes.”
Focus On Stability, Environmental Remediation
Chief Joe Obari Chinwi wrote an open letter to the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (Rtd.), urging him to prioritize stability, environmental remediation, and job creation during his six-month tenure.
Chinwi congratulated Ibas on his appointment but stressed the critical juncture at which he assumed office. He highlighted the political turmoil, economic stagnation, and rising insecurity plaguing Rivers State, emphasizing that these political conflicts should not overshadow the daily hardships faced by the people.
He particularly drew attention to the environmental devastation caused by decades of oil exploration, which has rendered farmlands unproductive, poisoned rivers, and polluted the air through gas flaring. Chinwi argued that Rivers State residents deserve better than the current cycle of political strife, which has hindered governance and progress.
Chinwi outlined several key areas demanding urgent attention:
Peace and Stability: He emphasized the necessity of political stability for development, urging the Sole Administrator to unite the state and restore trust in governance.
Environmental Remediation: He called for the transparent implementation of the UNEP Report on Ogoni cleanup, with direct involvement of host communities.
Equitable Resource Distribution: He advocated for fair distribution of the state’s wealth to oil-producing areas, ensuring they receive their share of infrastructural development.
Job Creation and Youth Empowerment: He stressed the need for vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and industries to provide sustainable livelihoods, curbing youth involvement in crime.
Security and Community Development: He recommended strengthening community policing, supporting traditional leadership, and empowering local vigilante groups to address insecurity.
Infrastructure and Public Services: He urged the administration to focus on providing essential services like good roads, functional hospitals, quality schools, and potable water.
Chinwi concluded his letter by emphasizing the historical significance of Ibas’s tenure, urging him to govern with wisdom, courage, and fairness. He expressed hope that Ibas’s leadership would bring restoration and hope to Rivers State.
President Has No Powers To Suspend Gov, Legislators – Concerned Civil Society Organisations
The Concerned Civil Society Organisations, a coalition of civil society groups in Rivers State, has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
At a press conference in Port Harcourt, the coalition said the President went beyond his powers when he suspended the Governor, the Deputy Governor and the House of Assembly.
Mr. Courage Nsirimovu, who read the text of the press conference said the President violated Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution when he suspended the governor, the deputy governor and the house of assembly.
He added that the President failed to demonstrate neutrality in the Rivers State crisis when he “openly declared support and gave presidential backing to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike’s faction in the political crisis in the state.”
The coalition accused the FCT Minister of trying to inflame tensions in the state through his media chats and denigration of the Ijaw nation and revered individuals like the late Chief Edwin Clark.
“If anybody has inflamed the political atmosphere to this level, it is Nyesom Wike. Let it be clear to all Nigerians that this crisis involves three key parties: Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers State House of Assembly and the FCT Minister,” the coalition said.
They recalled that the President failed to declare a state of emergency in certain parts of the country where terrorists, bandits and other non-state actors but did so in Rivers State where there was peace and tranquility.
The coalition praised Governor Siminilayi Fubara and residents of the state for their peaceful disposition and vowed to take legal action within and outside Nigeria to restore constitutional democracy in Rivers State.
The press statement was signed by Amb. Tombari Dumka-Kote, Indigenous NGOs and Civil Society Network, Dr Sophia Daniels of Initiative for Sustainable Peace and Entrepreneurial; PILEX Center for Civic Education Initiative; Center for Rural Integration and Development; The Books Foundation; and Community Initiative for Enhanced Peace and Development.
It’s In Bad Faith – Atiku
Former Vice- President, Abubakar Atiku, said the state of emergency declared by President Tinubu in Rivers State reeked of political manipulation and was in bad faith.
“Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers. His blatant refusal or calculated negligence in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful.
Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk.
Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent.
If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility. Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and Tinubu’s enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
