Concerned Rivers Citizens Urge Tinubu to End Emergency Rule

•Demand respect for rule of law

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Some concerned citizens of Rivers state have written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to rescind his declaration of a State of Emergency in the state and urging him to recall  suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officers.

In the letter copied to the National Assembly and the International Community, the group demanded a thorough investigation into the ‘nonexistent conditions’ that misled the president into declaring a state of emergency.

Signatories included: Donu Kogbara, Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, Ibim Semenitari, Lloyd Ukwu (NADECO USA/Project Coordinator), Julie Dyer (Coordinator/ Admin), Ibiba Omotoso, Kariba Braide, Aselle Abigo-Tshiunza Karibo Lawson, George Ibifubara Jumbo and Dr Pax Harry.

Others were: Ogu Emejuru, Nimi Amachree, Soala Iyalla, Daba Ibiama, Arnold Amacree, Ibiba  DonPedro, Derego Somiari, Michael Aloega, Abosi Israel, Sam Warmate, Osmond Barango, Aji Amachree Ihetu and Onu Uba.

The group stated that the action of the president reflected a blatant disregard for the constitutional rights of the people of Rivers State as well as a gross abuse of executive power.

“We the People of Rivers State agree with fellow Nigerians including legal and political experts that your decision is not only dangerously unconstitutional, but also undermines the democratic principles that our nation was founded upon,”  the concerned citizens added.

The group said that the suspension of Fubara and the imposition of a state of emergency were  clear attempts to subvert the will of the people, and consolidate power in the hands of the federal government.

“It represents a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the fundamental democratic principles that many hold you as a strong advocate of. Due to the failure to meet constitutional requirements, any attempts by certain individuals to fabricate or create these conditions constitute a criminal act and a severe obstruction of justice.

“In our view, this criminality should be treated as more serious than the underlying wrongful and false declaration of a state of emergency,” they added.

The group explained that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State could simply be translated as a reward for criminality because the perpetrators of the conditions upon which the president based his decision seem to have achieved their ultimate goal.

“We would like to draw your attention to the fact that the Nigerian people have frequently referred to you as a champion of democracy, dating back to June 12, 1993. On that day, as you may recall, Generals Sani Abacha and Ibrahim Babangida colluded to annul the election won by Chief MKO Abiola, which was regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history,” the citizens stressed.

Stressing that failure to adhere to the constitutional guidelines outlined in Section 305, contradict the principles of democracy, these actions, the group said, suggested a willingness to undermine the very democratic values which the president fought for.

“As it stands, your actions are in direct conflict with those of a person touted to have fought for democratic principles,”  the citizens added.

The coalition therefore demanded the immediate rescinding of the declaration of emergency and restoration of Fubara and his Deputy to their rightful positions alongside all that constitutes civil governance.

“We urge you to respect the quasi-autonomy of Rivers State and allow the democratic process to proceed without any interference from you, or the executive branch. Above all and most importantly, we are deeply concerned about the implications of your actions on the stability and security of Rivers State.

“The people of Rivers State have the right to self-determination and to choose their own leaders without external interference,” the concerned citizens said, urging the president to respect the constitution and the rule of law.