The Civil Rights Council has called on President Bernard Tinubu to reconsider his recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Speaking to journalists in a press briefing hosted at the Social Action head office in Port Harcourt, the national coordinator of the CRC, Barr Arochukwu Paul Ogbonna, expressed deep concerns over the decision, arguing that the situation in Rivers State does not meet the necessary constitutional conditions required for such an extraordinary measure.

Barr Ogbonna strongly criticized the declaration, warning that it could undermine the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution. According to him, the action appears to be politically motivated, aligning with the interests of individuals who have had ongoing disputes with the Governor of Rivers State.

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“We consider the declaration of a state of emergency to be wrongly timed and inappropriate. None of the conditions outlined in the Constitution to justify such a measure are currently present in Rivers State,” Arochukwu stated.

“We will continue to stand for the principles of justice and legal integrity. We urge all Nigerians, particularly those in Rivers State, to remain law-abiding and not take the law into their own hands. The legal system is sufficient to address these issues,” Arochukwu emphasized.

The Civil Rights Council believes that the move represents an outright attempt to seize control of the state’s leadership, potentially serving the interests of political elites rather than the well-being of the people of Rivers State. Arochukwu went on to allege that the decision was orchestrated to benefit the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, at the expense of the people of Rivers State.

As a civil society organization, the Civil Rights Council reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for constitutionalism, democracy, and the rule of law. The organization further reminded President Tinubu that the same law that empowers him to declare a state of emergency for six months or extend it also grants him the authority to rescind the declaration through the same legal process.

In light of these concerns, the Civil Rights Council called on the president to urgently review and reverse his decision, ensuring that governance in Rivers State remains constitutional and democratic, free from external political influence.

The Council reiterated its stance that only adherence to the rule of law and respect for democratic institutions can foster a peaceful and just society. It urged the Nigerian government to prioritize dialogue, legal frameworks, and democratic solutions over extreme measures such as a state of emergency.

The Civil Rights Council remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the principles of justice and to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliations. The organization calls on all stakeholders, including civil society groups, legal experts, and the general public, to engage in constructive discourse to resolve the current situation in Rivers State within the framework of the law.