A Nigerian civil society organisation, the Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a “coup against the people”.
CHRICED denounced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly, arguing it violates the Nigerian constitution. They also criticised the appointment of a sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas.
The group stated that while the constitution allows for a state of emergency, it does not permit the suspension of elected officials. They pointed to the constitutional impeachment process as the proper procedure for removing a governor.
CHRICED accused President Tinubu of bias, alleging he has consistently sided with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the ongoing political crisis. They argued that Mr Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, has deliberately destabilised the state.
“By suspending all elected officials while keeping Wike, a principal architect of the conflict, in his role as a federal minister, President Tinubu has revealed the partisan nature of his actions,” CHRICED said.
The organisation also expressed concern about political interference in opposition-led states, citing the situation in Kano State.
CHRICED called for the immediate revocation of the state of emergency and urged President Tinubu to dismiss Mr Wike from his ministerial position, demanding a “comprehensive investigation” into his role in the Rivers State crisis.
They also reminded the President of a Quranic injunction to “be strict in observing justice”.
“As a leading civil society organization advocating for justice and the rule of law, CHRICED denounces the state of emergency in Rivers State as a political coup against the electorate,” said Executive Director, Zikirullahi Ibrahim.
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