The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a threat to democratic governance and an endorsement of military-style rule.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, CHRICED criticized Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retd) has been appointed as administrator for an initial six-month period.
CHRICED argued that while Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution grants the President power to declare a state of emergency, it does not authorize the removal of an elected governor without following constitutional procedures. “The Constitution outlines a clear impeachment process, including a two-thirds majority vote in the State House of Assembly and the involvement of the state’s Chief Judge,” the statement noted.
The group accused Tinubu of political bias, highlighting his perceived allegiance to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is seen as a key figure in the Rivers State political crisis. CHRICED alleged that Wike’s attempts to undermine Governor Fubara’s authority triggered the crisis, and Tinubu’s intervention has reinforced Wike’s influence.
“The President’s swift action, despite a Supreme Court ruling on February 28 outlining steps for resolving the crisis, reflects a deliberate strategy to protect Wike’s political interests,” CHRICED stated.
The statement warned that Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers crisis contradicts his criticism of military governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. “By overriding democratic structures in Rivers State, the President is weakening his position as a defender of democracy in West Africa,” it added.
CHRICED further alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has a broader agenda to destabilize opposition-led states, citing federal interference in the Kano emirate crisis as another example of political overreach.
The group called for the immediate reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State, Wike’s removal as minister, and an independent investigation into his role in the political unrest. “Failure to reverse this decision risks plunging the Niger Delta into prolonged instability and undermining Nigeria’s democratic foundations,” CHRICED warned.
