Rivers Emergency Rule an ‘Assault on Democracy – CSOs
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of the rule of law.
In a statement signed by Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, the Situation Room denounced the removal of the elected Governor and Deputy Governor, as well as the six-month suspension of the State House of Assembly.
The group described the action as “an egregious assault on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and a dangerous threat to constitutional rule in Nigeria that must not be allowed to stand.”
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Situation Room argued that while the law allows the President to declare a state of emergency under extreme circumstances, it does not give him the power to sack elected officials or dissolve democratic institutions.
“The removal of a Governor and State legislators is a grave violation of the principles of separation of powers and the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State, who freely elected their leaders,” the statement read.
The group stated that Rivers State does not meet the constitutional requirements for an emergency declaration, which includes war, external aggression, or a breakdown of public order and safety.
Calling on the National Assembly to reject what it termed an “unconstitutional usurpation of power,” the Situation Room urged lawmakers to “uphold their constitutional duty to check executive excesses and defend Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
The statement also demanded that voting on the emergency declaration be conducted electronically and televised nationally.
“The Constitution is very clear that what is required for this emergency declaration to pass is a two-thirds majority of the 360 members of the House of Representatives and the 109 members of the Senate. Meaning, that no less than 240 members of the House of Representatives and 72 Senators must vote in support of the declaration of the state of emergency for it to stand,” the group stated.
The Situation Room also called on the judiciary to “assert its independence and ensure that this assault on democracy does not stand.” It urged the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union, and ECOWAS, to exert diplomatic pressure on the Nigerian government to reverse its decision.
“Democracy thrives on respect for the rule of law, due process, and the will of the people. Any attempt to override the electoral mandate of the people of Rivers State is a direct affront to the sovereignty of the Nigerian people and must be resisted by all democratic forces,” the statement added.
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room called on Nigerians to stand in solidarity against what it described as an “authoritarian drift” in the country.
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