Rights Group Condemns State Of Emergency In Rivers, Calls For Legislative Review

WEDNESDAY March 19, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng

The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an unconstitutional and undemocratic overreach that threatens the nation’s democracy.

In a statement signed by its Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, and Secretary, Barr. Christopher Ekpo, and made available to our correspondent in Uyo on Wednesday, CHRAN faulted the suspension of the State Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, opining that such actions undermine the democratic mandate of elected officials.

“This suspension disregards the will of the people who elected these officials for a four-year term. It is an extreme measure that violates the constitutional provisions safeguarding democratic governance,” CHRAN stated.

The rights group pointed out that the President’s action contravenes Sections 1(2), 11, 188, and 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outline the procedures for emergency governance and legislative intervention.

“We reject the imposition of military rule under the guise of a State of Emergency. Rivers State is not a war zone, and there are constitutional mechanisms for resolving political disputes without resorting to such drastic actions,” the statement added.

CHRAN therefore called on the National Assembly to urgently review the President’s declaration, warning that allowing such executive overreach to stand would set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

“The National Assembly must rise to its responsibility and ensure that our democracy is not eroded by arbitrary executive decisions,” CHRAN urged.

The pro-democracy and human rights advocacy organization used the medium to reaffirm its commitment to holding governments accountable and ensuring that Nigeria’s democratic principles remain intact.