Pro-Democracy Coalition Petitions ECOWAS Over Emergency Rule in Rivers State

A pro-democracy coalition, the Concerned Nigerians in Defence of Democratic Governance, has petitioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

In a letter dated March 24, 2025, the coalition described the emergency rule as unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria and West Africa.

Background of the Rivers State Emergency Rule

On Tuesday, March 19, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing:

• Prolonged political crisis

• Vandalization of oil facilities

The emergency rule led to the suspension of: Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and All members of the Rivers State House of Assembly (for six months)

In their place, Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of Rivers State.

Despite public outrage, both the Senate and House of Representatives ratified the emergency rule on Thursday, March 21, 2025.

Several stakeholders, including the South-South Governors’ Forum, have condemned the move.

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‘A Dangerous Precedent for West Africa’ – Petition to ECOWAS

The coalition, in its petition to ECOWAS President Omar Touray, warned that the Rivers State crisis could destabilize Nigeria and the West African region.

“The crises that led to the formation of the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) and the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS did not start at the national level. They began at the subnational levels before escalating into full-blown national crises that provoked military interventions.”

They argued that the subjugation of subnational governments by the federal government is fueling political instability in the region.

“The sub-region has looked to Nigeria to play a pivotal role in managing political crises. However, the federal government’s high-handedness threatens democratic governance.”

They further noted that 35 governors, through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have refused to challenge Tinubu’s decision, raising concerns about growing authoritarianism in the country.

Calls for ECOWAS Intervention

The Concerned Nigerians in Defence of Democratic Governance urged ECOWAS to:

• Demand the immediate reinstatement of Governor Fubara and other suspended officials
  Uphold democratic principles in Nigeria to prevent further regional instability

The petition was jointly signed by: Aliyu Tanko, Bello Adamu, Nnamdi Ekwueme, Nicholas Upelle, Sadiq Alao, Oche Oche

Conclusion

The state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked controversy, with concerns about its legality and impact on democratic governance in Nigeria. As ECOWAS faces calls to intervene, the situation remains tense.

Do you think ECOWAS should intervene in Rivers State? Share your thoughts in the comments!