President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, has ignited widespread condemnation, with legal experts and political figures calling it unconstitutional.
Former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, condemned the move as a “dangerous affront to democracy,” emphasizing that such an action violates Nigeria’s Constitution.
“With this singular move, Mr. President has technically suspended and truncated democracy in Rivers State,” Amaechi said.
Legal luminary Femi Falana also opposed the suspension, noting, “Even in a state of emergency, the Constitution does not grant the President the power to remove elected governors or dissolve state assemblies.”
In response to the growing uproar, the president appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator of Rivers State, signaling a shift in governance aimed at restoring order.
Ibas vowed to prioritize peace and stability in the state, emphasizing, “Maintaining peace, order, security, and stability is the utmost task.”
The move continues to stir controversy, with opposition leaders accusing the president of political manipulation.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other critics argue that the suspension undermines democratic principles and threatens national unity.
“This state of emergency is a dangerous course of action that will not only endanger our hard-won democracy but will exacerbate crises in the nation,” said Senator Bala Mohammed, PDP Governors Forum chairman.