Yiaga Africa Calls for Reversal of Emergency Rule in Rivers

Yiaga Africa has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, alongside what it referred to as the ‘unconstitutional’ suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu. The civil society organization has demanded an immediate reversal of the emergency rule.

In a statement, Yiaga Africa expressed concerns that the move posed a serious threat to constitutional governance, the rule of law, and democratic practices in Nigeria. The group argued that although Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) grants the President the authority to declare a state of emergency under specific circumstances, such powers must be exercised in a judicious, proportionate manner, and strictly in line with the Constitution.

Samson Itodo, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, speaking in Abuja, argued that the situation in Rivers State did not meet the criteria for a state of emergency or the suspension of democratically elected officials. “The prevailing situation in Rivers State does not reach the threshold of a breakdown in public order or safety that would justify the declaration of a state of emergency or the suspension of a democratically elected governor, deputy governor, and state legislature,” Itodo said.

Yiaga Africa further asserted that the suspension of the elected officials was unconstitutional, as the Constitution does not empower the President to dismantle democratic structures under the guise of emergency powers. The organization also expressed concern over the appointment of a Sole Administrator, a position that is not recognized by the Constitution, calling it an overreach and a dangerous precedent.

Additionally, Yiaga Africa criticized the President’s partisan tone and his failure to address the political conflicts underlying the crisis in Rivers, suggesting that this worsened tensions and eroded public trust in the impartiality of the Federal Government.

Yiaga Africa issued the following demands:

• The immediate reversal of the state of emergency declaration and the full restoration of all democratic structures and institutions in Rivers State, including the elected governor, deputy governor, and state legislature.
• The National Assembly should withhold legislative approval of the state of emergency as required by Section 305(6)(b) of the Constitution and direct the reinstatement of all constitutionally elected officials in Rivers State.
• All political actors involved should prioritize peace, dialogue, and genuine reconciliation to prevent further escalation of the crisis and ensure democratic stability in Rivers State.

Yiaga Africa concluded by reaffirming its commitment to defending democracy, constitutionalism, and rejecting authoritarian tendencies. It called on all citizens, institutions, and international partners to stand united in upholding democratic principles, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms in the face of growing democratic backsliding in the country.