Fubara’s suspension be reversed, US Institute demands

• Fubara’s suspension should be revoked, demands US-Based Law Institute
• This call was made by Institute of Law and Research and Development.

The United States-based Institute of Law and Research and Development (ILAWDUN) has strongly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

It warns that the action poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

In a statement released by Professor Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, Director of ILAWDUN and a respected scholar of International Environmental and Public International Law, the institute described the suspension and the subsequent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as “dangerous precedents” that undermine the rule of law and democratic governance.

“A state of emergency can only be justified when there is a genuine breakdown of law and order that overwhelms the Nigeria Police Force — conditions that were not present in Rivers State,” said Prof. Edward-Ekpo.

Fubara’s Suspension Deemed Unconstitutional

The institute maintained that the removal or suspension of a democratically elected governor and legislature by a sitting president is unconstitutional and lacks justification unless based on a verifiable collapse of civil order.

It emphasised that such actions risk destabilising Nigeria’s federal system and eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

“If the Supreme Court upholds the emergency declaration and the suspension of the governor and legislature by another democratically elected official, it will permanently stain your legacy,” the statement warned President Tinubu.

“You will be remembered as the President who undermined constitutional principles and legitimised illegality.”

Supreme Court Case Raises National Concerns

ILAWDUN also drew attention to the ongoing suit filed by seven opposition governors at the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the suspension.

The institute cautioned against any attempt by the judiciary to dismiss the case on technical grounds.

It warned that such a move would further damage public confidence in the justice system and the presidency’s commitment to democratic ideals.

“Any failure to deliver a substantive ruling on this constitutional crisis will cast doubt on the judiciary’s independence and the President’s adherence to democratic norms,” the institute stated.

Call for Immediate Action to Protect Nigeria’s Democracy

ILAWDUN urged President Tinubu to act swiftly in restoring Governor Fubara to office.

It warns that the long-term implications of inaction could be detrimental not only to his administration’s credibility but also to Nigeria’s democratic future.