Civil Society Organisations ask Tinubu to reverse emergency rule in rivers state

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) numbering about 102 have asked President Bola Tinubu to reverse the state of emergency and suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy and members of the House of Assembly.

Penpushing reports that the organisations in same vein in a statement asked Tinubu to consider withdrawing the military from the Rivers State Government House to de-escalate the tension in the state.

The body criticised the Supreme Court for restoring Amaewhule-led assembly despite initially declaring otherwise in 2015 in Hon. Ifedayo Sunday Abegunde v. The Ondo State House of Assembly and 11 Others.

‘This (28 February) ruling by a five-person panel (of the Supreme Court) contradicts the seven-person panel’s earlier stance (in 2015), raising questions about judicial consistency and the court’s susceptibility to political influence’, the group said

Penpushing further reports that the organisations pointed out that the 1999 Nigerian Constitution provided in Section 68 that any legislator who defects from the party under which he was elected forfeits his seat unless there is a division in the party.

The groups on the emergency rule admitted that Tinubu is empowered by Section (305) of the constitution to declare a state of emergency in cases of war, natural disaster, or a breakdown of public order and safety beyond the state government’s control.

Penpushing also reports that the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), however, argued that the crises in Rivers State were inadequate for declaration of emergency rule, stressing that the state is undeniably turbulent, adding that the declaration’s legality hinges on whether the situation meets this threshold.

The groups noted that, as part of the solutions to the crises, the Supreme Court must reverse the February 28, 2025 ruling, which restored the Amaewhule-led Rivers assembly to align itself with its previous rulings in similar cases of the defection of lawmakers.

“The defected lawmakers should vacate their seats, triggering by-elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission to restore legitimate representation. This upholds the electorate’s mandate and the constitution’s sanctity,” the groups said.

Penpushing reports that the organisations said apart from reversing the emergency rule and suspension of  Fubara, a neutral mediation panel and civil society leaders led by the National Peace Committee should facilitate dialogue between the governor, Wike, and their factions.

‘This panel must focus on de-escalation and prioritise governance over personal ambitions and a commitment to democratic processes, potentially brokering Wike’s withdrawal from active interference in Rivers State politics,” the groups said.

Penpushing further reports that they equally suggested that the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, should set up a judicial panel to investigate allegations of bias against the judiciary in the Rivers state crises.

The groups emphasized that this, will ensure that future rulings in Rivers State adhere to legal principles, not expediency, stressing that media organisations and civil society should amplify this crisis’s implications for democracy

‘Media outlets and civil society should amplify this crisis’s implications for democracy, urging all actors to prioritise the public good over power struggles. The crisis in Rivers State is a litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy. Left unchecked, it risks setting a precedent for constitutional subversion and federal overreach, with ripple effects nationwide.”

Penpushing also reports that it is recalled that the President had declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all the House of Assembly members for an initial six months.

The president consequently appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state, citing the recent disturbing incidents in the state, including explosions and vandalisation of petroleum pipelines linked to the political crises in the state, as the basis for his action.

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