The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a “coup against the people.”
Grassroots Parrot reports that the civil society organization is demanding the immediate dismissal of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), citing his alleged role in the state’s political crisis.
President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State has drawn widespread criticism, with CHRICED asserting that it is a direct violation of democratic principles.
CHRICED, in a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi on Thursday, said the emergency rule disregards the will of the people who elected their leaders and undermines constitutional governance.
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The emergency rule has resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In their place, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retd) as an administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial six-month period.
However, CHRICED argues that while Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution grants the President the power to declare a state of emergency, it does not authorize the removal of an elected governor without due process.
“The Constitution is clear on how a governor can be removed—through impeachment by the State House of Assembly with a two-thirds majority vote, a role for the Chief Judge, and an investigative panel,”
“By instituting emergency rule in Rivers State, President Tinubu appears to endorse military coups, undermining his credibility to critique the military governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.” CHRICED stated.
The organization also criticized the federal government’s handling of the political crisis in Rivers State, accusing it of bias. CHRICED pointed to the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, which outlined steps for resolving the crisis.
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The group claims that pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers Assembly actively obstructed Governor Fubara from implementing the ruling, yet the federal government moved swiftly to suspend the governor instead of seeking peaceful solutions.
CHRICED maintains that Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, is at the heart of the crisis, accusing him of destabilizing the state to maintain political control.
“The suspension of all elected officials while allowing Wike to remain in office as minister exposes the partisan nature of the President’s decision,” the organization stated.
Beyond Rivers State, CHRICED raised concerns about broader political interference in opposition-controlled states, citing Kano as another example. The organization accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using federal institutions to weaken opposition parties ahead of future elections.
“The federal government’s meddling in Kano’s emirate crisis and its use of security forces against the state government mirror its approach in Rivers State. This pattern of undemocratic interference threatens Nigeria’s democracy and economic stability,” CHRICED warned.
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In response to the unfolding situation, CHRICED has issued a set of demands, asking for immediate Reversal of Emergency Rule and Removal of Wike as Minister. “Wike must be dismissed from his ministerial role and investigated for his role in the crisis.” It said.
CHRICED also tasked the federal government to refrain from politically motivated interference in opposition-controlled states to ensure fairness and stability.
The group said failure to reverse the emergency rule could set a dangerous precedent. “If this action is not overturned, it could signal a return to dictatorship and erode the democratic progress Nigeria has made,”
The organization insists that true leadership demands impartiality and accountability, urging the President to act in the best interest of the Nigerian people.