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By Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt.
As Nigerians, especially citizens and residents of Rivers State await the resumption in office of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, 12 civil society groups under the amalgam Concerned Civi Society Organizations in Rivers State have condemned the decision terming it an outrageous overreach of executive power.
The group made its position known in Port Harcourt on Thursday during a press briefing saying that President Tinubu’s action is a direct attack on democratic principles and the will of the people.
Addressing journalists, Dr. Christian Onyegbule of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), said the declaration was alarming as it came in the midst of an orchestrated political crisis, “driven by vested interests operating both within and outside the state. Instead of addressing the root causes of the conflict—such as the unconstitutional maneuvers of a factionalized State House of Assembly, openly backed by the Federal Government”.
The group observed that the President by his action opted to penalize the entire state, putting the lives and livelihoods of millions at risk.
Dr Onyegbule said; “Rather than ensuring the impartial enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling and calling all political actors to order, the Federal Government has chosen an extreme measure that undermines peace and stability. “President Tinubu’s refusal to condemn the actions of key conflict instigators who have actively fueled this crisis is both disappointing and unacceptable. By empowering political actors who thrive on division and discord, the Federal Government has signaled its complicity in the subversion of democracy in Rivers State”.
The Concerned Civil Society Organization in Rivers took a strong exception to the Attorney General of the Federation’s claims linking the Governor Fubara to an alleged security threat in Rivers State saying the accusations were nothing more than an orchestrated attempt to justify the unconstitutional declaration of emergency rule.
“We challenge the Attorney General to provide credible evidence of any genuine security threats. Rivers State has remained peaceful under the leadership of the Governor, despite ongoing provocations”, the group stated.
It demanded that President Tinubu must rescind the state of emergency and reinstate all duly elected officials to restore constitutional order and constitute an independent panel must be constituted to investigate the root causes of the crisis, ensuring accountability and justice.
It also called on all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the political impasse and prioritize the welfare of Rivers State residents urging The President to “mandate all relevant institutions to ensure the full and unbiased implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling”.
It warned on the implications of the state of emergency if not reversed, saying that it would threaten democracy in Nigeria and sets a dangerous precedent where political disagreements are met with authoritarian crackdowns instead of constitutional resolutions.
The group stated on the economic consequences, Rivers State being a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the oil and gas sector “the uncertainty caused by this action will deter investors, disrupt governance, and weaken economic growth.
“Rather than restoring order, the Federal Government’s heavy-handed approach will escalate tensions, increasing the risk of violence and instability.
“The people of Rivers State – both indigenes and non-indigenes – will bear the brunt of this reckless decision. Businesses will suffer, essential government functions will be disrupted, and insecurity will rise.
“We remind Mr. President of his own history: as an opposition figure. Senator Bola Tinubu vehemently opposed President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration of a state of emergency in the North-East, which did not even include the suspension of elected officials.
“It is now hypocritical for the same Tinubu to take an even more extreme measure against Rivers State”.
“Given the National Assembly’s endorsement of this unconstitutional act, we call on all Nigerians not to remain silent as history threatens to repeat itself. The slippery slope of emergency rule in the Western Region in 1962 serves as a stark reminder of where unchecked executive overreach can lead.
“We appeal to all patriots and voices of reason to rise against this blatant violation of the Constitution and disregard for the rule of law. The time to act is now”.
Signatories to the press conference are: Comrade Sunny Dada (Civil Liberties Organisation – CLO), Dr. Christian Onyegbule (Civil Liberties Organisation – CLO), Hon. Nwakanma Owhonda (Rivers Coalition for Human Rights – RCHR), Comrade Fabian Moses Urang (Center for Labour Rights and Development), Comrade Solomon Christopher (Defence for Human Rights and Democracy), Comrade Samuel Robinson – Global Rights Initiative), Okoi Dodoye (Women in Nigeria), Barr. Naaziga Lue (Human Rights Africa Network – HURA), Comrade Amadi (Committee for Defence of Human Rights – CDHR), Karl Chinedu Uchegbu (Chairman, Civil Liberties Organisation, South South Zone), Elder Sam Eke (Legal Assistance Network) and Austin Ikem (Ohaneze Ndigbo).
