The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. While the federal government justifies the decision on grounds of restoring order and governance, the suspension of an elected governor, deputy governor, and legislature raises serious constitutional and democratic concerns.
If left unchecked, this move could set a dangerous precedent—one where the federal government can remove elected state leaders under the guise of emergency rule.
Emergency Rule or Political Power Play?
While it is true that political tension had escalated in Rivers State, leading to a breakdown in governance, the question remains whether the situation warranted such extreme federal intervention.
Was there genuine security instability severe enough to justify emergency rule?
Were constitutional channels like dialogue, mediation, or judicial intervention explored before imposing federal control?
Why was Governor Siminalayi Fubara suspended rather than allowed to function under federal oversight during the emergency?
These are the questions Nigerians should be asking.
The suspension of an entire elected government, without clear constitutional backing, suggests that this decision may be more about power consolidation than governance restoration.
The Risk to Nigeria’s Federal System
Nigeria is a federal republic, meaning states have autonomy in governance while remaining under the umbrella of the national government. The use of emergency rule to override state leadership undermines this principle.
If Rivers can be taken over today, what stops Abuja from doing the same in any other state?
Could a politically inconvenient governor in Lagos, Kano, or Anambra face similar treatment in the future?
If emergency rule is used as a political weapon, what prevents opposition-led states from being targeted?
The decision weakens the structure of federalism and places excessive power in the hands of the President, allowing him to unilaterally determine which state governments remain in power.
Legal Precedents: The Constitution vs. Federal Overreach
Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (Section 305) outlines conditions for emergency rule but does not grant the President the power to permanently remove a governor.
In past cases of emergency rule:
Plateau State (2004) – Governor Joshua Dariye was suspended but later reinstated.
Ekiti State (2006) – Governor Fayose was removed, but his impeachment was later challenged.
Northeast States (2013-2015, Boko Haram crisis) – Governors remained in office despite emergency rule.
Now, for the first time, an emergency declaration appears to be used to forcefully sideline an elected governor without impeachment or voluntary resignation. This is a dangerous legal precedent that, if unchallenged, could fundamentally alter Nigeria’s democracy.
Political Fallout: Will Rivers Accept This?
The people of Rivers State overwhelmingly elected Governor Fubara in 2023. His removal, without their consent, will not be taken lightly.
Already, local voices are demanding his return:
Community Leaders: “Rivers people voted for Fubara. The federal government cannot choose our leader for us.”
Youth Activists: “We will protest if Abuja tries to impose another governor.”
Civil Society Groups: “This is an abuse of power. We will challenge it legally.”
If the federal government insists on keeping Fubara out, resistance will grow, protests may erupt, and the crisis may worsen rather than be resolved.
International Implications: Nigeria Under Scrutiny
Global observers are watching how Nigeria handles this crisis:
U.S. and E.U. officials have raised concerns about the impact on democracy.
African Union and ECOWAS may view this as an unconstitutional change in government, similar to military takeovers seen in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
If Nigeria loses its democratic credibility, it risks economic consequences, including reduced foreign investment and diplomatic isolation.
A country that just led ECOWAS efforts against undemocratic coups in West Africa cannot afford to be seen engaging in anti-democratic actions at home.
What Happens Next? The Battle for Democracy
Nigeria now stands at a crossroads. The National Assembly has a critical decision to make:
1. Will it approve the emergency rule and effectively remove Fubara permanently?
2. Will it respect democratic principles and allow his return after six months?
3. Will the courts intervene to protect constitutional governance?
The outcome of this crisis will determine:
Whether elected governors can be removed without impeachment
Whether emergency rule becomes a political tool
Whether Nigeria remains a true democracy
If Abuja insists on keeping Fubara out, it will not just be Rivers at risk—it will be the entire Nigerian democratic system.
Final Word: Democracy Must Prevail
The Rivers State crisis is not just about one governor—it is about the future of Nigerian democracy. If emergency rule is allowed to become a tool for removing elected leaders, Nigeria’s democracy is in grave danger.
It is time for the National Assembly, the judiciary, and the Nigerian people to stand for democracy and the rule of law.
History will judge this moment. Will Nigeria defend its democracy, or will it allow power politics to destroy it?
The world is watching. Nigerians must decide.
Imran Khazaly, for
Editorial Board, Headlinenews.news.
Comments
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State reeks of political manipulation and outright bad faith.
Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers. His blatant refusal — or calculated negligence — in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful.
Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk.
Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent.
It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability — undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations.
If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility. Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and Tinubu’s enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest terms. -AA
Rivers is gone. !!!!! Wike was deliberately weaponized to cause confusion in Rivers and he attempted to duplicate the Lagos hegemony in Rivers but met stiff unexpected resistance . Rivers, Osun , Benue , Kano and perhaps Lagos are hot spots that will soon erupt if care is not taken. It’s unfortunate that there has been a slow and steady erosion and compromise of the judiciary and the rule of law under this Government which has culminated in the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers . Today marks another black spot under Nigerian democracy and it is hoped that this does not signal the total collapse of democracy.
