President Bola Tinubu.
By Dianabasi Effiong
Twelve 12 civil society groups under the amalgam Concerned Civil Society Organisations in Rivers State have decried the Federal Government’s decision to declare a state of emergency in the state, describing the measure as an ‘outrageous overreach of executive power’.
They made their position known in Port Harcourt on Thursday during a press briefing.
According to them, President Tinubu’s action is a direct attack on democratic principles and the will of the people of Rivers state.
Addressing journalists on behalf of 11 other signatories of the groups, Dr Christian Onyegbule of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), said the declaration was alarming.
He said the declaration came in the midst of an orchestrated political crisis “driven by vested interests operating both within and outside the state
instead of addressing the root causes of the conflict – such as the unconstitutional maneuvers of a factionalised State House of Assembly, openly backed by the Federal Government.”
According to the groups, the President by his action opted to penalise the entire state, putting the lives and livelihoods of millions at risk.
Dr Onyegbule said: “Rather than ensuring the impartial enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling and calling all political actors to order, the Federal Government has chosen an extreme measure that undermines peace and stability.
“President Tinubu’s refusal to condemn the actions of key conflict instigators who have actively fueled this crisis is both disappointing and unacceptable.
“By empowering political actors who thrive on division and discord, the Federal Government has signaled its complicity in the subversion of democracy in Rivers State.”
The group also took an exception to the Attorney General of the Federation’s claims linking the Siminalayi Fubara to an alleged security threat in Rivers State saying that the accusations were nothing more than an orchestrated attempt to justify the unconstitutional declaration of the emergency rule.
“We challenge the Attorney General to provide credible evidence of any genuine security threats. Rivers State has remained peaceful under the leadership of the Governor, despite ongoing provocations,” they stated.
They demanded that President Tinubu must rescind the state of emergency and reinstate all duly elected officials to restore constitutional order.
They also urged the President to constitute an independent panel to investigate the root causes of the crisis, ensure accountability and justice.
They called on all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the political impasse and prioritise the welfare of the people and residents of Rivers State.
The further urged the President to “mandate all relevant institutions to ensure the full and unbiased implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling.”
They said that the state of emergency if not reversed could threaten democracy in Nigeria and set a dangerous precedent where political disagreements are met with authoritarian crackdowns instead of constitutional resolutions.
The groups also stated the economic consequences for Rivers State as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
“The uncertainty caused by this action will deter investors, disrupt governance, and weaken economic growth.
“Rather than restoring order, the Federal Government’s heavy-handed approach will escalate tensions, increasing the risk of violence and instability.
“The people of Rivers State—both indigenes and non-indigenes—will bear the brunt of this reckless decision. Businesses will suffer, essential government functions will be disrupted, and insecurity will rise.
“We remind Mr President of his own history: as an opposition figure, Senator Bola Tinubu vehemently opposed President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of a state of emergency in the
North-East, which did not even include the suspension of elected officials. It is now hypocritical for the same Tinubu to take an even more extreme measure against Rivers State.
“Given the National Assembly’s endorsement of this unconstitutional act, we call on all Nigerians not to remain silent as history threatens to repeat itself. The slippery slope of emergency rule in the Western Region in 1962 serves as a stark reminder of where unchecked executive overreach can lead.
“We appeal to all patriots and voices of reason to rise against this blatant violation of the Constitution and disregard for the rule of law. The time to act is now,” they stated.
