CSOs CONDEMN STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE 21-03-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an unconstitutional takeover of a democratically elected government.
Briefing Journalists in Abuja, the Convener of the Situation Room, Yinusa Zakari, said the decision, which includes the removal of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor, as well as the suspension of the State House of Assembly for six months, is an egregious violation of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
Zakari stated, “The President’s reliance on Section 305 of the Constitution to justify this action is a blatant misinterpretation of the law. The Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally sack elected officials or dissolve democratic institutions.”
The group insists that the political situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional requirements for an emergency declaration, which must be based on conditions such as war, external aggression, or a total breakdown of law and order.
Call To National Assembly
Situation Room called on the National Assembly to reject the declaration, urging lawmakers to fulfil their duty of checking executive excesses. The group emphasised that for the emergency rule to stand, it must secure a two-thirds majority vote, 240 members of the House of Representatives and 72 Senators.
Zakari added, “We demand that voting on this matter be televised to ensure transparency. Any attempt to override the people’s mandate is a direct affront to democracy.”
Judiciary Response.
The group also called on the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and prevent what it described as “executive rascality.” It further urged the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, and other democratic bodies to intervene and pressure the Nigerian government to reverse what it termed an illegal political manoeuvre.
Dangerous Precedent.
Situation Room warns that the move sets a dangerous precedent and distracts from pressing national issues, including economic instability and security challenges.
Zakari reaffirmed, “Nigeria must not descend into tyranny. We stand firm in our commitment to defending democracy and call on all Nigerians to reject this unconstitutional overreach.”