A pro-democracy group, Concerned Nigerians in Defence of Democratic Governance, has petitioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over what it calls an unconstitutional imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
In a letter dated March 24, 2025, addressed to ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray, the group argued that Tinubu’s actions undermine democracy and set a dangerous precedent for both Nigeria and West Africa. The petition, signed by several activists, was also sent to the High Commissioners of multiple West African nations.
The activists accused Tinubu of using emergency rule as a political weapon to strengthen his ally, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 elections. They warned that if ECOWAS does not intervene, the situation could spiral into instability and mass displacement.
Meanwhile, sources close to the Rivers Government House have alleged that the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), is planning to appoint new local council administrators—a move critics say violates the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming local government autonomy.
Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has also denied allegations that he is sponsoring militants to attack oil and gas installations in the state. In a statement, his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, dismissed viral videos linking his supporters to sabotage, calling them “fake and malicious.”
“The governor has no ties to any militant group and would never encourage actions that threaten peace, security, or the nation’s economy,” the statement read.
Adding to the controversy, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the release of withheld federal allocation funds to the Sole Administrator, calling it a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
“The Supreme Court clearly stated that these funds should only be released after a properly constituted House of Assembly passes an appropriation bill,” Obi posted on X (formerly Twitter). “This decision to allocate funds to an unelected official is a direct challenge to Nigeria’s highest court and a threat to our democracy.”
With tensions rising and political maneuvering intensifying, all eyes are now on ECOWAS and the Nigerian judiciary to determine how this crisis unfolds.
