The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a coup against democratic institutions, human rights activist and lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has said.

He regretted that sadly, the National Assembly, which should serve as a check on executive overreach, has become the weakest and most compromised legislative body in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Ejiofor in a statement in Abuja said the President’s decision is unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power.

He said, “The ongoing political struggle for control over Rivers State and its vast resources reached a critical and alarming point yesterday with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency. While many Nigerians expressed shock at this drastic move, it comes as no surprise to those of us who have closely followed the unfolding power dynamics. This action appears to be a calculated political manoeuvre designed to appease a powerful political godfather, rather than a genuine response to any constitutional crisis.

“For those well-versed in Nigeria’s constitutional framework, this development was a foreseeable outcome – an undemocratic last resort. A proper interpretation of Section 305 (3)(a-g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) clearly exposes the political motivation behind this decision. Rivers State does not meet any of the stipulated conditions required to justify such an extreme measure.

“The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly is not only an outright attack on constitutional democracy but also a blatant deviation from the legal provisions governing emergency declarations.

“In simple terms, this is nothing short of a coup against democratic institutions. Sadly, the National Assembly, which should serve as a check on executive overreach, has become the weakest and most compromised legislative body in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“In my previous live broadcast, I emphasized that President Tinubu’s invocation of Section 305 was a fundamental error and an abuse of executive power. The Constitution outlines specific conditions under which a state of emergency may be declared, including:

(a) the Federation is at war;

(b) the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war;

(c) there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security;

(d) there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger;

(e) there is an occurrence or imminent danger, or the occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity, affecting the community or a section of the community in the Federation;

(f) there is any other public danger which clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the Federation; or

(g) the President receives a request to do so in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4) of this section.

“None of these conditions exist in Rivers State. There is no war, no large-scale unrest, and no imminent security threat warranting such drastic action.

“Therefore, the President’s decision is unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power.

“It is now incumbent upon both the Legislature and the Judiciary to act decisively in defence of democracy. The National Assembly must reject this illegal declaration and reassert its constitutional authority. If it fails in its duty, the Judiciary – Nigeria’s last hope for justice – must step in to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the nation’s democratic integrity.

“I commend the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) under the leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for its prompt intervention. This is a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy. We must not allow constitutional violations to stand unchecked. The world is watching, and the credibility of our institutions is on the line.
Let wisdom, justice, and the rule of law prevail.”

Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), on Wednesday, commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his commitment to upholding the dignity and integrity of the Nigerian Senate.

The Coalition, comprising various grassroots and national civil society groups focused on deepening democracy in Nigeria and across Africa.

In a statement jointly signed by Coalition Convener Martins Onyebuchi and Co-Convener Alhaji Mohammed Audu, emphasized the need for adherence to legislative procedures and mutual respect within the Senate.

The group urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to tender an immediate apology over her recent allegations against Senate President Akpabio.

The coalition said: “The Senate President position justifies his recent statement that he holds women in high esteem as against what Senator Natasha is parading all in name of sexual harassment, to maintain the institution’s integrity the Senate President encourages Senator Natasha to apologize for the unnecessary outbursts which doesn’t depict a true character of a distinguished Senator.

“All over such platforms bestowed with law making responsibility always operate within laid down rules and procedure Nigerian Senate leadership can’t be treated with impunity and reckless abandon.

“It’s high time you Senator Natasha should acknowledge your wrong doing by ignoring the Senate standing order and rule which every institution be stored with such responsibilities is expected to follow.

“Just same way you comported yourself self at the recent international outing Senator Natasha followed the procedure and rules in making her presentation because you sat at rightful place provide for you, meanwhile if nothing is hidden behind your accusations while refusing to move to a new seat and raise the concern or humbly request change of seat?

“The acclaimed sexual harassment false alarm started in response for change of sitting position.However, we urge you to consider alternative peaceful and internal mechanisms to resolve this issue, prioritizing the safety and stability of Nigeria’s democracy. Wrong can never be justified because sexual harassment can never be the reason for you not to comform with the Nigerian Senate laid down rules.

“As a respected Civil Society Organization, we promote women’s participation in politics devoid of emotions or blackmail, rather encourage a healthy and stable coexistence between both genders, it’s very important for you to understand that your allegations is seriously colored with insubordination, disrespect to constituted authority and considering your past records of similar accusations to other individuals in the past,it still makes many Nigerians to doubt the genuinity of your claims.

“Running to the international community even while you have submitted to the Nigerian court was also the height of it. However the major concern is to ensure that you’re not being influenced by external interest to disrupt leadership of the Nigerian Senate.

“If you are truly genuine and respect the institution you would adopted a better approach in dealing with such acclaimed allegations instead of bringing shame to the entire nation all the name sexual harassment.”

The coalition called for patriotism and unity, urging all parties to prioritize the nation’s interests over individual disputes.

They added, “We appreciate Akpabio’s leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s development. His dedication to the country’s progress is evident in his efforts to maintain peace and stability within the Senate in the face of provocation,his composure and openness to his colleagues showed good leadership qualities .

“Let us move forward with patriotism, prioritizing the nation’s interest above individual concerns. We seek a peaceful resolution, and we’re confident that, together, we can achieve desired democracy and entrench rule of law.”

… NLC, TUC want immediate reversal
… Its clear violation of constitution – Amaechi
… FG defends action

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state.

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the south-south state.

The president also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers, Ngozi Odu, his deputy, and members of the state assembly.

Tinubu nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers state.

In a joint statement, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, presidents of NLC and TUC, respectively, called the declaration “a direct assault on democracy” and “an overreach of executive power”.

The labour bodies called on President Tinubu to exercise restraint and respect constitutional limits rather than taking actions capable of jeopaising national security, economic stability, and democratic governance.

“It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments,” the statement reads.

“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.”

“We, therefore, call on Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.

“The President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.

“Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.

“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”