Civil Society Coalition Backs Tinubu on Rivers State Emergency Declaration
A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the umbrella of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA) has expressed strong support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
President Tinubu, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, invoked a constitutional provision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State following months of unresolved political crises. His decision was subsequently endorsed by both chambers of the National Assembly, with some amendments.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, the National Coordinator of CCLCA, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, stated that the President’s decision was a constitutional and necessary step to restore order in the state.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the press, esteemed and dedicated Nigerian citizens, today, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, committed to advocating for good governance and credible leadership, convened to express our support for the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Dr. Gabriel emphasized that the prolonged political standoff between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State had created a governance crisis requiring immediate intervention.
“As a civil rights coalition, we stand in affirmation of the recent actions taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the resolutions passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives concerning the state of emergency in Rivers State,” he said.
He justified the President’s decision by citing Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which permits the declaration of a state of emergency in cases where governance and order cannot be maintained.
“The chaotic political environment in Rivers State necessitated such an extraordinary measure,” he asserted.
The CCLCA also backed the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring stability.
The group further supported the Senate’s resolution to invoke Section 11 of Section 4 of the Constitution, granting the National Assembly authority to establish a Joint Advisory Committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the emergency period.
Dr. Gabriel emphasized the importance of this oversight to safeguard the interests of Rivers State residents.
“We also welcome the Senate’s suggestion to form a committee of eminent Nigerians tasked with reconciling the conflicting parties within the government of Rivers State. Such an initiative is essential not only for immediate resolution of the ongoing crisis but also for fostering a more collaborative and effective governance structure in the future,” he added.
The National Coordinator also commended the House of Representatives for affirming the state of emergency, stressing that the collective approach of both legislative chambers reflects the urgency of the situation.
“We believe that these measures are in the best interest of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole,” he stated.
Dr. Gabriel, however, called on all stakeholders to work toward a peaceful resolution, urging collective action and dialogue as the best approach to restoring governance and stability in Rivers State.
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