Coalition tasks African Union to intervene in state of emergency imposed on Rivers

A coalition of Nigerian professionals and political figures have petitioned the African Union, AU, over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The group accused President Bola Tinubu of acting unconstitutionally by suspending Governor Siminilayi Fubara and dissolving the State House of Assembly.

In a letter addressed to AU Commission Chairperson, Alhaji Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Coalition argued that the move not only violated Nigeria’s constitution but also posed a threat to democracy across Africa.

The petition, signed by Senator Opeyemi Ola, Professor Adah George, Dr James Oloko, and Dr Evelyn E. Ogolime, urged the AU to take decisive action against what they described as an abuse of power.

“With President Tinubu as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is expected to be a shining example of democratic governance in Africa. Unfortunately, President Tinubu's actions have fallen woefully short of this expectation. His decision to suspend the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminilayi Fubara, and the State House of Assembly, is a clear violation of the Constitution and an affront to democratic principles,”; the petition reads.

“Section 305 of the Constitution, which the President cited as the basis for his action, does not grant him the power to suspend or remove elected officials. The Constitution is clear on the grounds for removing a governor, which is explicitly stated in Section 188. The President's action is a blatant disregard for the Constitution and the democratic process.

“This action is not only a threat to democracy in Nigeria but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Africa. It is imperative that the African Union Commission takes immediate action to address this situation and ensure that democratic principles are upheld.”;

Additionally, the coalition highlighted the broader implications of the president’s action, stating that it threatened the autonomy of states under Nigeria’s federal system.

The group called on the AU to send a fact-finding mission to Rivers State to assess the situation and ensure democratic institutions were protected.

“We are also concerned about the potential consequences of this action on the stability of Nigeria and the African region. The suspension of democratic institutions and the imposition of emergency rule could lead to widespread unrest, violence, and instability. In addition, this action undermines the principles of federalism and the autonomy of states in Nigeria. The President's decision to suspend the Governor and the State House of Assembly is a clear infringement on the powers of the state government and a violation of the principle of separation of powers.

“We urge you to prevail upon President Tinubu to immediately lift the State of Emergency in Rivers State and restore the democratically elected government. We request that the African Union Commission take concrete steps to ensure that Nigeria, as a member state, upholds the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. And sends a fact-finding mission to Rivers State to investigate the circumstances surrounding the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of democratic institutions.”;