The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a “coup against the people” and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, CHRICED accused the president of violating the Nigerian Constitution by suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly, replacing them with an appointed administrator.
“This move is a blatant affront to the rights of Rivers State citizens, who exercised their democratic right to elect their representatives. It sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the foundation of democracy in Nigeria,” the statement read.
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CHRICED argued that while Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution grants the president authority to declare a state of emergency, it does not empower him to remove an elected governor. The organization insisted that due process—which includes impeachment by the state legislature and judicial review—was ignored.
“The Constitution clearly outlines the procedure for a governor’s removal. President Tinubu has completely bypassed this process, making his actions unconstitutional and undemocratic,” CHRICED stated.
The organization accused President Tinubu of taking sides in the Rivers political crisis, asserting that suspending Governor Fubara while leaving Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, untouched reveals a partisan approach.
“It is widely known that Wike is the architect of the crisis in Rivers State, yet he remains in office while his opponents face the consequences. This selective application of justice undermines the credibility of the president’s actions,” CHRICED alleged.
Beyond Rivers State, CHRICED warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is following a pattern of political interference in opposition-controlled states, citing Kano as another example where federal authorities have allegedly meddled in state affairs.
“The APC-led government is using law enforcement and the judiciary to destabilize key opposition states. This troubling development casts significant doubt on President Tinubu’s reputation as a defender of democracy,” the group stated.
CHRICED called for an immediate reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State and the restoration of democratic governance. The organization also demanded Wike’s dismissal as minister and a full investigation into his role in the crisis.
“There is no ethical justification for keeping Wike in office while suspending all elected officials in Rivers State. If accountability is to be enforced, it must apply to all parties involved,” the statement read.
As tensions rise in Rivers State, CHRICED urged the Nigerian government to reconsider its actions and uphold constitutional democracy. The organization warned that failure to do so could lead to prolonged political instability and economic setbacks, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
“We reject this political coup and call for a return to democratic governance. The Nigerian people must not be held hostage by the ambitions of a few political actors,” CHRICED concluded.
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