Mr. Godbless Otubure, Founder of ReadyToLeadAfrica, has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The organization describes this move as unconstitutional and a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.
The crisis in Rivers State began months after Governor Fubara assumed office, primarily due to tensions between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The disagreement escalated into a full-blown political conflict, leading to divisions within the Rivers State House of Assembly, street protests, and allegations of sabotage, including accusations that Wike’s loyalists were involved in vandalizing critical infrastructure such as pipelines.
ReadyToLeadAfrica argues that the reasons given by President Tinubu for the emergency declaration—political tension and pipeline vandalism—do not meet the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Constitution permits a state of emergency only under specific conditions, such as war, external aggression, widespread disorder beyond legal control, or natural disasters. The organization insists that the current political situation in Rivers does not justify such drastic measures.
Furthermore, the group highlights that Section 305(2) of the Constitution requires the National Assembly to approve an emergency proclamation within two days if in session, or within ten days after reconvening. As of now, no such approval has been granted, making the declaration invalid.
ReadyToLeadAfrica warns that this move sets a dangerous precedent, as it could allow future governments to remove elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule. Such actions, they say, erode public trust in democracy and remind Nigerians of past military rule, where leaders were removed without constitutional processes.
The organization is calling on all relevant stakeholders to take action to protect Nigeria’s democracy:
- The National Assembly should reject the unconstitutional declaration and ensure that emergency powers are only used based on strict constitutional criteria.
- The Judiciary must intervene to uphold the Constitution and restore democratic governance in Rivers State.
- Civil society organizations, the international community, and Nigerians should closely monitor the situation and defend democratic principles.
- President Tinubu and the federal government must respect state autonomy and avoid actions that undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.
- ReadyToLeadAfrica reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law, promoting democratic governance, and ensuring that citizens, especially the youth, remain engaged in the democratic process. The group urges Nigerians to stand firm in defense of democracy and resist any attempts to violate the Constitution.
