By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
Following the removal of elected government officials through state of emergency has been described as unconstitutional by South East CSOs,calls of President Tinubu to reverse it immediately because it is undemocratic and an afront to constitutional Democracy and rule of law.
The group made the call during an emergency meeting in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State,stating that the President has acted beyond his constitutional mandate, as this action violates the sovereignty of the state.
Addressing newsmen over the emergency rule in Rivers State,the South East Representative, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room,Mr.Ajah Chima Oliver, condemned the action and warned that the arbitrary removal of elected officials in Rivers State undermines the principles of federalism and sets a dangerous precedent where the federal government can unlawfully take over the governance of any state under flimsy pretexts,and therefore reject the reckless and unlawful suspension of elected officials in Rivers State.
“We, the members and partners of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) in the Southeast Zone, unequivocally reject and condemn in the strongest terms the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through a nationwide broadcast on the 18th of March 2025. These actions constitute an affront to constitutional democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
“We state that the President has acted beyond his constitutional mandate, as this action violates the sovereignty of the state. The arbitrary removal of elected officials in Rivers State undermines the principles of federalism and sets a dangerous precedent where the federal government can unlawfully take over the governance of any state under flimsy pretexts. We therefore reject this reckless and unlawful suspension of elected officials and democratic institutions in the Rivers State.
Mr Oliver Ajah Chima further noted that the people of Rivers State exercised their constitutional right by electing their leaders, that the President’s action is a blatant disregard for their democratic choice and disenfranchises the citizens by imposing a federally appointed administrator over a duly elected government.
He further added that the appointment of a sole administrator in a democratic era is Illegal, unconstitutional and unacceptable. There is no provision in the Nigerian Constitution which empowers the President to appoint an unelected individual to govern a federating unit.
“If this illegal declaration is allowed to stand, it could serve as a template for future undemocratic actions by the federal government against other states and emboldens leaders to subvert democracy for personal or political gain. This endangers the progress Nigeria has made in strengthening democratic governance since 1999 and moves the country closer to authoritarian rule.
Based on these observations, we demand as follows: Immediate Reversal of the State of Emergency In River State There is no constitutional or moral justification for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The President must immediately revoke this declaration and restore constitutional order in the State by reinstating all the elected officials.
Tender a public apology to the people of Rivers State and Nigeria The President must publicly apologize to the people of Rivers State and Nigeria for violating their democratic rights and unlawfully usurping the powers of their elected leaders. Protection of Democratic Institutions
The Judiciary and relevant stakeholders must act to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy by ensuring that the President’s unconstitutional actions are condemned and that no such overreach is permitted in the future.
“Democracy must be defended. Rivers State must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
