A section of Rivers State people have demanded that President Bola Tinubu should immediately rescind his declaration of emergency on the state, and restore Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu and members of the state House of Assembly to their ‘rightful positions’.
Described as “the People of Rivers State”, the group said that the President’s decision on 18 March to suspend democratic governance in the state ‘is not only dangerously unconstitutional, but also undermines the democratic principles that our nation was founded upon’.
It said that Fubara’s suspension and the imposition of a state of emergency on the state ‘are a clear attempt to subvert the will of the people, and consolidate power in the hands of the federal government’.
Among the signatories to the statement were activist and newspaper columnist, Donu Kogbara; former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Aleruchi Cookey-Gam; former Commissioner for Information and Communication, Ibim Semenitari; a project consultant, Lloyd F. Ukwu; and Coordinator/Admin, Julie A Dyer.
Dated 17 April 2025, the statement, which was addressed to the President and copied to the National Assembly and the international community, read: ‘We, the People of Rivers State and as concerned citizens of Nigeria, are writing to express our utmost outrage and condemnation of your recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent suspension of:-
1. the democratically elected Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
2. Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu.
3. All elected Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
‘This action reflects a blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of the people of Rivers State and as well as a gross abuse and an ultra vires of executive power.
‘We the People of Rivers State agree with fellow Nigerians including legal and political experts that your decision is not only dangerously unconstitutional, but also undermines the democratic principles that our nation was founded upon.
‘The suspension of Governor Fubara and the imposition of a state of emergency are a clear attempt to subvert the will of the people, and consolidate power in the hands of the federal government.
‘For clarity regarding your decision to declare a state of emergency and the subsequent removal of a duly elected governor, we should refer to Nigeria’s Constitution, which serves as the foundation of our legal system. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria permits the declaration of a state of emergency. However, it specifies certain conditions that must be fulfilled for this to take place. Section 305(3) of the Constitution outlines these specific conditions, including:
1. War or external aggression against Nigeria.
2. Imminent danger of invasion or war
3. A breakdown of public order and safety to such an extent that ordinary legal measures are insufficient.
4. A clear danger to Nigeria’s existence.
5. Occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity affecting a state or a part of it.
6. Such other public danger that constitutes a threat to the Federation. These conditions appear not to have been met or exist in this situation.
‘The conditions mentioned above were not fulfilled; therefore, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is illegal and unconstitutional. It represents a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the fundamental democratic principles that many hold you as a strong advocate of.
‘Due to the failure to meet constitutional requirements, any attempts by certain individuals to fabricate or create these conditions constitute a criminal act and a severe obstruction of justice. In our view, this criminality should be treated as more serious than the underlying wrongful and false declaration of a state of emergency. We, the People of Rivers State, hereby demand a thorough investigation into who manufactured the nonexistent conditions that misled you into declaring a state of emergency, which has now plunged Rivers State into a state of political uncertainty.
‘We respectfully submit that the state of emergency was imposed using false and illegal justifications, including the alleged pipeline explosion. Therefore, it should be lifted and the governor reinstated.
‘The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State could simply be translated as a reward for criminality because the perpetrators of the conditions upon which you based your decision seem to have achieved their ultimate goal.
‘We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the Nigerian people have frequently referred to you as a champion of democracy, dating back to June 12, 1993. On that day, as you may recall, Generals Sani Abacha and Ibrahim Babangida colluded to annul the election won by Chief MKO Abiola, which was regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
‘In 1999, the people of Lagos State recognised your contributions to ushering in democracy by voting for you as Governor.
‘However, the recent declaration of a state of emergency which was obviously arrived at under questionable circumstances, and your failure to adhere to the constitutional guidelines outlined in Section 305, contradict the principles of democracy. These actions suggest a willingness to undermine the very democratic values which you fought for.
‘As it stands, your actions are in direct conflict with those of a person touted to have fought for democratic principles.
‘Therefore, we demand that you immediately rescind the declaration of emergency and restore Governor Fubara and his Deputy to their rightful positions alongside all that constitutes of civil governance that have broken down in Rivers State as a consequence.
‘We urge you to respect the quasi-autonomy of Rivers State and allow the democratic process to proceed without any interference from you, or the Executive branch.
‘Above all and most importantly, we are deeply concerned about the implications of your actions on the stability and security of Rivers State. The people of Rivers State have the right to self-determination and to choose their own leaders without external interference.
‘We urge you to respect the constitution and the rule of law, and to prioritise the welfare and well-being of the people of Rivers State.
‘Long live Rivers State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sincerely,
Donu Kogbara
Aleruchi Cookey-Gam
Ibim Semenitari
Lloyd F. Ukwu (NADECO USA/Project Coordinator).
Julie A Dyer (Coord/ Admin)
Ibiba Omotoso
Kariba Braide
Aselle Abigo-Tshiunza
Karibo Lawson
George Ibifubara Jumbo
Dr Pax Harry
Ogu Emejuru
Nimi Amachree
Soala Iyalla
Daba Ibiama
Arnold Amino Amacree
Ibiba DonPedro
Derego Somiari
Michael Aloega
Abosi Israel
Sam Warmate
Osmond Dumo Barango
Aji Amachree Ihetu
Onu Nkiru Uba
