A coalition of Nigerian professionals and political figures has petitioned the African Union (AU) over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the suspension of Governor Siminilayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly as unconstitutional.
In a letter addressed to AU Commission Chairperson Alhaji Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the group argued that the action violated Nigeria’s constitution and posed a threat to democracy in Africa.
The petition, signed by Professor Senator Opeyemi Ola, Professor Adah George, Rt. Hon. Dr. James Oloko, and Dr. Mrs. Evelyn E. Ogolime, urged the AU to intervene, calling the move an abuse of power.
“With President Tinubu as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is expected to uphold democratic governance. His decision to suspend the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State and the State House of Assembly is a violation of the Constitution and an affront to democratic principles,” the petition stated.
The coalition cited Section 305 of the Constitution, which the President referenced, arguing that it does not grant him the power to suspend or remove elected officials. They insisted that the process for removing a governor is explicitly outlined in Section 188, making the President’s action unconstitutional.
Describing the move as a threat to democracy, the group warned that it could set a dangerous precedent for the suppression of democratic institutions across Africa.
The coalition further called on the AU to send a fact-finding mission to Rivers State to assess the situation and ensure democratic institutions were protected.
“We urge you to prevail upon President Tinubu to lift the State of Emergency in Rivers State and restore the democratically elected government. The AU Commission must take concrete steps to ensure that Nigeria, as a member state, upholds the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” the petition added.
