The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and The Peoples Advocate (TPA) have expressed strong criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State. They also opposed the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator.
In separate statements, Lloyd F. Ukwu, president of NADECO USA, and Courage Nsirimovu, coordinator of TPA, condemned the move, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of democratic rights. Ukwu emphasized that Nigeria is a federation and that Rivers State is a sovereign entity. He described Tinubu’s suspension of an elected governor as unconstitutional. “Rivers State is not a subordinate institution, nor is Tinubu its overseer. His own presidency remains under a cloud of illegitimacy, as declared by INEC despite widespread irregularities,” Ukwu stated. He insisted that the people of Rivers State elected Siminalayi Fubara as their governor in 2023, not an imposed administrator, and demanded Ibas’s immediate resignation.
“The people of Rivers State exercised their democratic right in 2023 by electing Siminalayi Fubara as their governor. They did not choose an imposed administrator. NADECO therefore demands the immediate resignation of this illegitimate appointee,” he declared. Ukwu stressed that true democracy relies on governance rooted in the people’s will, expressed through free and fair elections. He described the current administrator as an “imposter” and called on the people of Rivers to reject him.
Read Also: Atiku-Wike: I Will Make sure You Fail Again and Again
Nsirimovu also raised concerns, alleging that Ibas plans to appoint administrators for the state’s 23 local government areas. He criticized this move, saying it attempts to hand control to allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. “The federal government’s unlawful interference is heating up the polity and projecting Rivers as crisis-ridden,” he said, urging the government to cease such actions. The condemnation from NADECO and TPA regarding the emergency rule in Rivers highlights the growing tension in the state.
The civil society group highlighted that the situation in Rivers State is a clear case of illegality breeding illegality. They stated, “It is all shades of wrong and portends grave danger to our democracy and the peace we enjoy in Rivers State.”
They also referenced a Supreme Court ruling that stipulated a proper election should be conducted by a legitimate government, not an illegitimate administration. “Hence, Pilex Centre calls on Rivers people to resist the ploy of the said administrator to foist another class of undemocratic leadership on us,” Nsirimovu added.
The joint criticisms from NADECO and TPA regarding the emergency rule in Rivers underscore the urgent need for attention to democratic governance in the region.
