Rivers emergency rule: Nigerians in US to protest at White House

A coalition of Nigerian activists in the United States, under the Democratic Movement (DM), has announced a demonstration at the White House to protest what it describes as a threat to democratic governance in Rivers State.

The coalition is calling for the reversal of any move to impose emergency rule in the state, the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the restoration of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

In a statement on Thursday, Cosmos Collins Achief, president of the group, said the protest aims to draw global attention to the political crisis in Rivers State.

“We cannot sit back while an elected governor faces removal, an entire legislature is suspended, and uncertainty looms over the state’s leadership. These are dangerous precedents that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy,” Achief said.

The coalition said the protest will take place in Washington, D.C., with demonstrators marching to the White House and the U.S. Department of State to submit petitions urging international engagement on the matter.

“The world needs to see what is happening in Rivers State. A democratically elected government is under threat, and we are urging President Donald Trump to engage with Nigerian authorities to ensure that constitutional order is upheld,” the statement added.

While critics argue that emergency rule would suppress the will of the people, supporters believe it may be necessary to restore stability in the state amid ongoing political tensions. The federal government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

The pro-democracy movement also called on global institutions, including the United Nations and the African Union, to monitor the situation closely.

“Any move that undermines democratic institutions could have serious diplomatic consequences. Nigeria must uphold democratic principles to avoid international scrutiny,” Achief warned.

The demonstration is expected to draw attention from Nigerians in the diaspora, civil rights activists, and democracy advocates who have expressed concerns about governance in Nigeria.