Issued in Benin on Monday, 24th March 2025
Introduction
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of over 200 civil society organizations dedicated to promoting credible elections and governance in Nigeria, strongly condemns in the strongest terms the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through a nationwide broadcast on the 18th of March 2025. This move raises critical concerns about the limits of executive power and the protection of democratic institutions in Nigeria. As members and partners of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, South-South Zone, we express our strong reservations about the President’s decision, which appears to exceed his constitutional authority and undermine the principles of federalism.
Key Concerns
- Constitutional Implications: The President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State contravenes the Nigerian Constitution, which grants states autonomy to govern through democratically elected officials. This action undermines the principles of federalism and the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution
- Democratic Principles: The suspension of elected officials and the imposition of a federally appointed Administrator in Rivers State severely undermines the democratic rights of the people. By electing their leaders, the citizens of Rivers State exercised their constitutional right to participatory governance. The President’s action disregards this democratic choice, disenfranchising citizens and undermining the legitimacy of their duly elected government.
- Precedent: If this declaration is allowed to stand, it sets a dangerous precedent for future undemocratic actions by the federal government against other states. This could embolden leaders to subvert democracy for personal or political gain, jeopardizing Nigeria’s progress in strengthening democratic governance since 1999 and pushing the country toward authoritarian rule.
Based on these observations, we demand as follows:
- Immediate Reversal of the State of Emergency: We call on the President to revoke the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and restore constitutional order.
- Public Apology: The President must publicly apologize to the people of Rivers State and Nigeria for violating their democratic rights and unlawfully usurping the powers of their elected leaders.
- Protection of Democratic Institutions: We call on the Judiciary and relevant stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, prevent any future violations of constitutional principles and ensure the protection of democratic institutions; while the notorious section 305 of the Constitution should be reviewed to provide more clarity and limits of its application.
- Legislative Oversight: We urge the National Assembly to exercise its oversight function, ensuring the President’s actions algin with the Constitution and prevent any potential abuse of power.
Conclusion
We call upon all Nigerians, civil society organizations, political parties, and the international community to stand together in defense of Nigeria’s democracy. It is imperative that we reject any actions that undermine the constitutional principles that are the foundation of our democratic system.
The protection and preservation of democratic institutions are crucial for Nigeria’s stability, progress, and the well-being of its citizens. As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, it is essential that we prioritize the safeguarding of human rights, the rule of law, and the principles of federalism
Signed,
Names and organization of Representatives
for: Situation Room South – South Zone
- Comr. Obasanmi Jude Phd South-South Representative
- Comr. Mrs. Abiola Igaga Take a Cure Development Initiative
- Comr. Edem Edem Green Concern for Development
- Pst. Henshaw Edem Ikot Ekpene Youth Wing / Universal Democrats
- Comr (Dr) Batholomeum Okundo CONGOs, Edo
- Comr. Annie Umoru Initiative for Gender Equality & Advancement
- Comr. Solomon Ohiomokhare World Hospital Alliance.
- Dr. Bright Oniovokukor Indomitable Youth Organisation
- Comr. Mrs. Shanaa Ifot Democracy Crusader
- Mallam Suleman Olarenwaju Light Africa
