CSOs Situation Room Call On Tinubu To Reverse State Of Emergency In Rivers ...Call On Judiciary, Stakeholders To Safeguard Nigeria’s Democracy















CSOs Situation Room Call On Tinubu To Reverse State Of Emergency In Rivers 

 
...Call On Judiciary, Stakeholders To Safeguard Nigeria’s Democracy


Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin 

Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, South-South zone, has called on President Bola Tinubu quickly revoke the proclamation declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.


The  Coalition also told President Bola Tinubu to ensure it restore democratic institutions in the Rivers state.

The body, which comprised over 200 civil society organisations, also charged Tinubu to “apologise to the people of Rivers state and Nigerians in general, for undermining their democratic choice and usurping the powers of their elected leaders.”

Their call was contained in a statement signed by by Dr. Jude Obasanmi, South-South Representative;
Dr. Bright Oniovikukor of Indomitable Youth Organisation, Comrade (Mrs) Abiola Igaga of Take a Cure Development Initiative; Comr Batholomeum Okundo, CONGOs, Comr. Edem Edem Green Concern for Development, Pst. Henshaw Edem Ikot Ekpene Youth Wing / Universal Democrats.

Also, others are; Comr. Annie Umoru Initiative for Gender Equality & Advancement, Comr. Solomon Ohiomokhare World Hospital Alliance, Comr. Mrs. Shanaa Ifot Democracy Crusader
and Mallam Suleman Olarenwaju, Light Africa in Edo State. 



However, raising concerns on the dangers inherent in the emergency proclamation, consequent suspension of democratic structures in the state, the Civil Society Organisations Situation Room observed that the order contravenes the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.



“The President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State contravenes the Nigerian Constitution, which grants states autonomy to govern through democratically elected officials. This action undermines the principles of federalism and the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.

“We call on the President to revoke the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and restore constitutional order.


“The suspension of elected officials and the imposition of a federally appointed Administrator in Rivers State severely undermines the democratic rights of the people.

“By electing their leaders, the citizens of Rivers State exercised their constitutional right to participatory governance.



“The president’s action disregards this democratic choice, disenfranchising citizens and undermining the legitimacy of their duly elected government.


“If this declaration is allowed to stand, it sets a dangerous precedent for future undemocratic actions by the federal government against other states.

“This could embolden leaders to subvert democracy for personal or political gain, jeopardizing Nigeria’s progress in strengthening democratic governance since 1999 and pushing the country toward authoritarian rule.

“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.



“We call on the judiciary and relevant stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, prevent any future violations of constitutional principles and ensure the protection of democratic institutions; while the notorious section 305 of the Constitution should be reviewed to provide more clarity and limits of its application.

“We urge the National Assembly to exercise its oversight function, ensuring the President’s actions align with the Constitution and prevent any potential abuse of power.

The CSO, while calling on all Nigerians to stand together to defend democracy, noted: “The protection and preservation of democratic institutions are crucial for Nigeria’s stability, progress, and the well-being of its citizens", they stated.

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