Rivers: Centre condemns emergency rule, labels it a ‘coup’

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, describing it as an illegal coup against the people. In a statement released on Thursday by Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullah, its Executive Director, the centre denounced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his […]

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, describing it as an illegal coup against the people.

In a statement released on Thursday by Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullah, its Executive Director, the centre denounced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as unconstitutional.

The movement accused the federal government of violating Sections 188 and 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outline the legal process for removing elected officials.

The statement read in part: “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.

“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.

“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.

“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).”