The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has sparked significant backlash, with a coalition of Nigerian professionals and political figures formally petitioning the African Union (AU) over the matter.
The group condemned Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing the move as unconstitutional and a direct threat to democracy in Nigeria and Africa.
In a letter addressed to AU Commission Chairperson Alhaji Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the petitioners—Professor Senator Opeyemi Ola, Professor Adah George, Rt. Hon. Dr. James Oloko, and Dr. Mrs. Evelyn E. Ogolime—urged the AU to intervene and take decisive action.
“With President Tinubu as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is expected to be a shining example of democratic governance in Africa. Unfortunately, President Tinubu’s actions have fallen woefully short of this expectation,” the petition stated.
Citing Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which Tinubu referenced as justification for the emergency rule, the group argued that the provision does not grant the President the authority to suspend elected officials. They pointed out that Section 188 of the Constitution outlines the legal procedure for removing a governor, making Tinubu’s action an overreach of executive power.
“This action is not only a threat to democracy in Nigeria but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Africa,” they warned.
The coalition called on the AU to dispatch a fact-finding mission to Rivers State to assess the situation and safeguard democratic institutions. They also expressed concerns over potential instability, stating that the move could fuel unrest and undermine Nigeria’s federal structure.
“The suspension of democratic institutions and the imposition of emergency rule could lead to widespread unrest, violence, and instability. In addition, this action undermines the principles of federalism and the autonomy of states in Nigeria,” they stated.
The group urged the AU to pressure Tinubu into lifting the emergency rule and reinstating the duly elected government of Rivers State. They also called for stronger AU measures to ensure Nigeria upholds democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law.
