The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) unequivocally denounces President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
This move constitutes a blatant affront to the rights of the citizens of Rivers State, who have exercised their democratic right to elect their representatives. Such a declaration poses a significant threat to the democratic governance in Nigeria and reflects both political and economic misjudgments that require immediate rectification.
By instituting emergency rule in Rivers State, President Tinubu appears to endorse military coups, undermining his credibility to critique the military governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Subversion of the Nigerian Constitution
President Tinubu has brazenly contravened the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which he pledged to uphold, by suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He has also hastily appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retd) as an administrator to oversee the state for an initial period of six months.
Although Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution grants the President the power to declare a state of emergency, it does not authorize him to suspend an elected governor.
Chapter 6, Part 2, Section 188 of the Constitution specifies a defined procedure for the removal of a governor or deputy governor, which necessitates an impeachment process by the State House of Assembly.
This procedure requires a two-thirds majority vote, the participation of the Chief Judge of the state, and the formation of an investigative panel. Additionally, the governor is entitled to defend himself throughout the proceedings.
A One-Sided Approach to the Crisis
CHRICED notes the Supreme Court ruling issued on February 28, which outlined specific requirements for Governor Fubara to adhere to. We are also aware of the efforts by Mr. Nyesome Wike’s allies in the Rivers Assembly to hinder Governor Fubara’s compliance with the court’s decision.
Rather than allowing sufficient time for the Supreme Court’s judgement to be fulfilled, the President swiftly suspended the PDP government without considering peaceful solutions to address the crisis.
Unsurprisingly, this aligns with the President’s stance from the outset of the Rivers State crisis, as he has consistently shown his allegiance to Wike.
CHRICED is deeply concerned about the President’s bias in handling the conflict in Rivers State, which is widely recognized as politically motivated.
It is public knowledge that this crisis was initiated, and perpetuated by the political godfather of Governor Fubara, Barrister Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of FCT.
Wike’s deliberate actions in destabilizing Rivers State for the simple reason that Fubara dared to assert his independence is condemnable. This situation is not a mere coincidence but rather a strategic power struggle that prioritizes personal and political agendas over the welfare of the populace.
By suspending all elected officials while keeping Wike, a principal architect of the conflict, in his role as a federal minister, President Tinubu has revealed the partisan nature of his actions.
A Threat to Democracy and Economic Stability
CHRICED emphasizes that the situation in Rivers State is not an isolated incident but rather part of a larger trend of political interference in states governed by opposition parties.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has persistently aimed to destabilize key opposition-led states as a strategy to regain control in upcoming elections. A notable instance is Kano State, where federal agencies, including law enforcement, have interfered in the emirate conflict to weaken the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) administration.
The ongoing emirate crisis in Kano stems directly from federal support for the ousted Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, despite the state government’s constitutional jurisdiction over traditional institutions. By utilizing the police and judiciary against opposition-led states, the APC-led federal government is undermining democratic principles.
This troubling development casts significant doubt on President Tinubu’s reputation as a purported defender of democracy.
CHRICED strongly rejects the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and urges the President to promptly revoke it to uphold peace, democracy, and stability. This action is essential for the economic health of Nigeria. If this decision is not overturned, it may signify a return to an outright dictatorship.
Moreover, not lifting the state of emergency in Rivers State could result in prolong political turmoil, jeopardizing the hard-won peace in the Niger Delta and hindering economic progress.
Remove Wike for the Sake of Justice
President Tinubu must demonstrate true leadership in addressing the political crisis in Rivers State. In his proclamation speech, he acknowledged that his attempts at mediation were disregarded.
However, if accountability is to be enforced for all parties involved, it raises the question of why Wike has not faced consequences while Governor Fubara, his deputy and the entire House of Assembly were suspended.
There is no ethical basis for President Tinubu to keep Wike, a key instigator of the crisis, in his ministerial role. This selective enforcement of accountability undermines any assertion of fairness and justice.
CHRICED calls for Wike’s immediate dismissal from his position as Minister of the Federal republic and a comprehensive investigation into his involvement in creating political instability in Rivers State.
Any sincere effort to restore order must start withholding all responsible parties accountable—not just those deemed politically vulnerable.
Conclusion
As a leading civil society organization advocating for justice and the rule of law, CHRICED denounces the state of emergency in Rivers State as a political coup against the electorate.
We call for an immediate restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State and an end to federal overreach in Kano and other opposition-controlled states.
Finally, we call on President Tinubu’s Muslim/Muslim presidency to adhere to the Quranic injunction, which says “O ye who believe! Be strict in observing justice, and be witnesses for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against your parents and kindred.
Whether he, against whom witness is borne, be rich or poor, Allah is more regardful of them both than you are. Therefore, follow not your low desires that you may be able to act equitably. And if you hide the truth or evade it, then know that Allah is Well-Aware of what you do. (Quran 4. 136).
