Rivers: Opposition, CSOs warn against erosion of democracy
Opposition parties and civil society organisations have cautioned President Bola Tinubu against the involvement of the military in democratic governance.
They expressed concerns that Nigeria was witnessing a growing militarisation of democracy, citing the recent declaration of a state of emergency and the appointment of a sole administrator in Rivers State.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly were suspended by President Tinubu following the protracted crisis between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Expressing his concerns over the development, the spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi State, Chika Nwoba, accused the President of militarising the nation’s politics.
“What happened in Rivers is a clear indication that the President is imposing military-style governance. Some APC members in states like Osun are already calling on him to declare a state of emergency and override democratic processes. This is deeply concerning. The situation in Rivers was an attack on a democratically elected government. It was a coup, not a legal action,” Nwoba said.
Similarly, the National Chairman of the Because of Our Tomorrow Party (BOOT), Sonny Adenuga, condemned the President’s actions, describing them as undemocratic and harmful to Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
“Democracy is not about one person’s perspective. It is about consensus, respect for the rule of law, and due process. The President’s decision to create the position of a sole administrator is an invention not found in the constitution. It is a violation of our democratic system,” he said.
The Secretary of the Labour Party in Ebonyi, Luke Adonwe, also criticised Tinubu for appointing a sole administrator in Rivers State.
“The constitution is clear. You cannot remove a democratically elected governor in this manner. What we are witnessing is the militarisation of Nigeria’s political landscape,” he said.
The Founder and Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, Dr Omenazu Jackson, also expressed concern over what he described as the erosion of democratic institutions.
“What we are seeing now is the weakening of democratic institutions, where individuals hold more power than the systems meant to protect the people,” he said.
He called for a national conference to draft a new constitution for the country.
However, the Kwara State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, defended the President’s actions, arguing that Fubara’s suspension was necessary to prevent further instability.
“The opposition will always criticise the APC government, but the reality is that immediate action was needed in Rivers. If the governor was left unchecked, it could have led to further unrest or impeachment, given how events were unfolding in the state.
“The President acted within his constitutional powers, following due process and taking the matter to the assembly, where it was approved,” he stated.
