President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly, has sparked intense reactions from political leaders and legal experts across Nigeria.
Background of the Rivers State Political Crisis
Rivers State has been embroiled in a political power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The crisis intensified over control of the state’s political structure, leading to a series of legal and political confrontations. In response to escalating tensions, President Tinubu intervened by suspending elected officials and appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
While some support Tinubu’s decision as a necessary step to restore order, others see it as an undemocratic overreach. Below are the reactions from Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and other top figures.
Atiku Abubakar: “This is Political Manipulation”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Tinubu’s declaration, calling it an act of political manipulation. In a statement, Atiku argued that the security situation in Rivers did not warrant such drastic action and that Tinubu should have sought constitutional solutions rather than imposing emergency rule.
“The decision to suspend an elected governor without following constitutional provisions is dangerous for our democracy. The responsibility for peace and security in Rivers lies with the federal government, and this declaration only fuels further division,” Atiku stated.
Peter Obi: “This Action Undermines Democracy”
Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, also condemned the move, describing it as unconstitutional and reckless. He noted that suspending an elected governor sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to dictatorship.
“No president has the power to unilaterally remove an elected governor. What happened in Rivers is a political crisis that should be resolved through democratic dialogue, not by suspending democracy itself,” Obi said.
Obi called on the National Assembly and civil society organizations to resist any form of democratic suppression.
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA): “This is Illegal”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also weighed in, calling Tinubu’s decision illegal and unconstitutional. NBA President Afam Osigwe stated that declaring a state of emergency does not give the president the power to remove elected officials.
“Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution does not permit the dissolution of elected state officials during a state of emergency. This move is a gross violation of Nigeria’s democratic system,” Osigwe said.
The NBA called on the Supreme Court to immediately review the president’s decision to determine its legality.
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP): “This is a Coup on Democracy”
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) also rejected Tinubu’s action, calling it an “open coup on democracy.” They argued that the crisis in Rivers State was not severe enough to warrant emergency rule.
“The Rivers political crisis is a power struggle that should be settled through legal and political means, not through unconstitutional actions by the president,” the coalition said in a statement.
Public and Political Reactions
Many political analysts and civil society groups fear this move could set a dangerous precedent, where a sitting president could remove state governments at will. Critics argue that this action undermines Nigeria’s federal system and democratic institutions.
Some supporters, however, believe that Tinubu’s intervention was necessary to restore order in Rivers State, citing concerns over rising political violence and allegations of sabotage.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
Many legal experts believe that the National Assembly or the Supreme Court may challenge the president’s decision. If the court rules against Tinubu’s action, it could lead to the reinstatement of Governor Fubara and other suspended officials.
Civil society groups are also mobilizing peaceful protests and legal action against the decision. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this declaration stands or is overturned.
FAQs
1. What is the reason for the state of emergency in Rivers State?
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The crisis escalated into a power struggle over the state’s political structure, leading to political instability. The presidency claimed that the measure was necessary to restore peace and order in the state.
2. Can the president legally remove a governor during a state of emergency?
No, according to Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, a state of emergency does not grant the president the power to remove an elected governor. Legal experts and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have argued that the removal of Governor Fubara and other state officials is unconstitutional and could be challenged in court.
3. What are the reactions to Tinubu’s decision?
Several prominent political figures and organizations have reacted to Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration:
- Atiku Abubakar condemned the decision, calling it a dangerous political manipulation.
- Peter Obi described it as reckless and undemocratic.
- The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called the move illegal and warned that it could lead to a constitutional crisis.
- The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) labeled it as a coup against democracy.
4. What happens next in Rivers State?
Legal experts predict that the National Assembly or Supreme Court may challenge the legality of Tinubu’s actions. If the courts rule against the president, Governor Fubara could be reinstated. Civil society groups are also organizing peaceful protests and legal battles to contest the decision. The coming weeks will determine whether Tinubu’s decision will stand or be overturned.
5. Has a state of emergency been declared in a Nigerian state before?
Yes, Nigeria has experienced state of emergency declarations in the past, notably in:
- 2004 in Plateau State, due to ethnic conflicts.
- 2006 in Ekiti State, over a political crisis.
- 2013 in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States, during the Boko Haram insurgency.
However, in those cases, the governors were not removed from office, making Tinubu’s decision in Rivers State highly controversial and unprecedented.
What you should know
President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has divided opinions, with some seeing it as a necessary step for stability and others calling it a violation of democratic norms. With legal battles likely ahead, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether constitutional democracy will prevail or if this action will change the future of governance in Nigeria.
