Emergency-Rule-in-Rivers-State:-A-Dangerous-Precedent-for-Nigerian-Democracy-By-Wisdom-Tide. -March-20th,-2025

Emergency Rule in Rivers State: A Dangerous Precedent for Nigerian Democracy

By Wisdom Tide.            March 20th, 2025

The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sparked widespread outrage across the country. The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has categorically condemned this unconstitutional act, highlighting its dangerous implications for Nigerian democracy. The move, which violates established democratic principles and constitutional provisions, appears to be a politically motivated attempt to strengthen the ruling party's grip on power at the expense of the people's will.

An Assault on Democracy

The essence of democracy lies in the rule of law, respect for constitutional provisions, and the sovereignty of the people. However, President Tinubu’s decision to dissolve the Rivers State House of Assembly and impose a military administrator directly undermines these democratic pillars.

The impeachment notice served to Governor Fubara and his deputy by the Rivers State House of Assembly, dominated by 27 defected lawmakers loyal to the president’s party, was clearly a premeditated scheme. The SMBLF rightly pointed out that the justifications for the emergency rule align suspiciously with the grounds cited in the impeachment notice, raising serious questions about the credibility and legitimacy of this entire process.

Even more troubling is the fact that the so-called crisis in Rivers State was deliberately instigated by political actors allied with the federal government. The House of Assembly, after issuing the impeachment notice, adjourned indefinitely, creating an artificial governance vacuum that was then used as a pretext for the emergency declaration. This tactic is nothing short of political subterfuge aimed at forcibly wresting control from a duly elected government.

A Dubious Justification

One of the flimsiest excuses given for this unconstitutional takeover is the claim that “militants” in the state posed a security threat, and the governor had failed to disown them. This assertion lacks any substantive proof. A government cannot be held accountable for the mere existence of alleged militant threats without proper investigation into its role, if any, in such activities.

Moreover, Nigeria operates a federal system in which security remains under the exclusive control of the central government. It is, therefore, hypocritical for the president to blame Governor Fubara for security failures when all law enforcement agencies are under the direct command of the federal government. If vandalism of pipelines was indeed a concern, why did the federal security agencies not act in time? Instead of fulfilling his constitutional duty to provide security, the president has chosen to shift blame and use this as an excuse to usurp power in Rivers State.

Constitutional Violations and the Absence of Legal Basis

The Nigerian Constitution provides clear guidelines for declaring a state of emergency, and President Tinubu’s action blatantly disregards them. Section 305(5) of the Constitution, which the president cited as the basis for his decision, does not grant him the power to remove a sitting governor or impose a military administrator.

Furthermore, Section 11(4) stipulates that in situations where a state House of Assembly is unable to function, the National Assembly can temporarily assume legislative authority—not remove the executive branch. It explicitly states that nothing in this section confers power on the National Assembly to remove a governor or deputy governor from office.

Thus, the removal of Governor Fubara has no constitutional backing and is an illegal, dictatorial maneuver that must be resisted by all democratic forces. The SMBLF has called on the National Assembly to immediately nullify this order, as allowing it to stand sets a precedent for future abuse of power across the federation.

Political Conspiracy and the Wike Factor

It is no secret that the former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been a key player in the ongoing political crisis. His desire to maintain influence over Rivers State, despite having completed his tenure, has fueled the turmoil. The emergency rule conveniently places Rivers State under the control of a military administrator who will effectively be a proxy for Wike, ensuring his continued dominance over the state's affairs.

This development mirrors historical instances where past leaders attempted to impose their will on successor governments, leading to instability and political crises. The SMBLF has strongly condemned this subversion of democratic processes, warning that such reckless interference could plunge the country into deeper political chaos.

The Dangerous Path Towards a One-Party State

The pattern of political persecution, unconstitutional removals, and suppression of opposition voices under the current administration is alarming. Rivers State is not the first, and if left unchecked, it may not be the last. The tendency of the ruling party to manipulate democratic institutions and override constitutional provisions is setting Nigeria on a dangerous path toward a one-party dictatorship.

The SMBLF has urged Nigerians to reject this creeping authoritarianism and defend the principles of democracy. Citizens must resist the normalization of executive overreach, as today it is Rivers State, but tomorrow it could be any other state where the ruling party finds it politically expedient to hijack power.

Call for Nonviolent Resistance and Democratic Vigilance

While anger and frustration over this unlawful takeover are justified, the SMBLF has wisely cautioned against violent reactions. Violence will only serve as an excuse for further repression and suffering for ordinary citizens. Instead, the people of Rivers State and Nigerians at large must engage in lawful resistance—through the courts, civic activism, and sustained democratic advocacy.

The international community must also take note of this blatant attack on Nigeria’s democracy. Silence in the face of this violation will only embolden those who seek to erode the country’s democratic institutions. The Nigerian judiciary, civil society organizations, and opposition political parties must rise to challenge this unconstitutional act and prevent further descent into lawlessness.

Conclusion

The emergency rule imposed on Rivers State is nothing more than a political coup, dressed in the guise of security concerns. It is an undemocratic, unconstitutional, and dictatorial move that threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s federal system. The Nigerian people must reject this dangerous precedent, demand accountability from the ruling party, and ensure that democracy prevails over authoritarian ambitions. The struggle for justice in Rivers State is a struggle for the soul of Nigeria’s democracy. If this attack on democratic governance is allowed to stand, no state will be safe from future political takeovers disguised as emergency interventions

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