The Rivers State Branch of the Civil Liberties Organisation has condemned the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as not only an overreach of executive powers but also an assault on democratic principles and the will of the people.
In a statement Signed by Comrade Sunny Dada and Dr. Christian Onyegbule, on behalf of the state branch, the CLO noted that President Tinibu’s drastic action comes amid an orchestrated political crisis fueled by centrifugal forces operating from within and outside the state.
According to the statement, “It is deeply concerning that rather than addressing the root cause of the conflict, the unconstitutional maneuvers of a fictionalized State House of Assembly tacitly backed by the Federal Government has chosen to penalize the entire state, placing the lives and livelihoods of millions at risk.
Instead of ensuring the unhindered and impartial enforcement of the Supreme Court’s ruling and calling all conflict actors to order, the President has opted for an extreme measure that further endangers the peace and stability of the region. The refusal of President Tinubu to condemn the actions of key conflict actors, who have actively perpetuated this crisis, is both disappointing and unacceptable. By emboldening political actors who thrive on division and conflict, the Federal Government has signaled its complicity in the ongoing subversion of democracy in Rivers State”.
The Rivers State Branch of the CLO disclosed that “the implications of this unjustifiable state of emergency are far-reaching and will further escalate the rhetoric of division thus pushing communities further apart, deepening mistrust, and eroding the fragile threads of unity that once held the state together.
Perhaps, it is instructive to note and draw the president’s attention to the following implications of his actions:
Threat to Democracy: The president’s action sets a dangerous precedent where political disagreements, instead of being resolved through constitutional means, are met with authoritarian crackdowns
Economic Consequences: Rivers State is a key contributor to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The declaration of a state of emergency threatens investor confidence, disrupts governance, and may lead to a downturn in economic activities.
Security Risks: Already, militants in the region have threatened to resume the vandalization of oil pipelines in response to the political instability and threats of impeachment against the governor. The Federal Government’s heavy-handed approach will only exacerbate tensions, increasing the risk of violent unrest that could plunge the entire region into avoidable crisis.
Impact on the average rivers citizen and non-indegenes who live do business in the state: The people of Rivers State and others who live and do business in the state will bear the brunt of this reckless decision. Essential government functions will be disrupted, businesses will suffer, and insecurity will be heightened, further worsening the socioeconomic conditions of the populace.
We therefore urge the the president to initiate the following actions:
Immediate Reversal: The president should rescind the state of emergency and reinstate the duly elected officials in order to restore constitutional order.
Impartial Investigation: An independent panel should be constituted to investigate the root causes of the crisis to ensure accountability and justice.
Dialogue and Reconciliation: All stakeholders must engage in constructive and respectful dialogue to resolve the political impasse and prioritize the interests of Rivers State.
Respect for Judicial Decisions: The president should mandate all relevant government institutions to create the right environment for the implementation of prevailing judicial pronouncements without bias or hindrance.
We stand in solidarity with the people of Rivers State and reaffirm our commitment to democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
In view of this, we demand the immediate reversal of the state of emergency and call on the Federal Government to uphold the rule of law by ensuring that all conflict actors adhere to the Supreme Court ruling in good faith. All parties must return to constitutional and democratic processes in order to resolve political disputes”.