A prominent law firm, Crownfield Solicitors, has called for the removal of President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing alleged democratic violations in Rivers State.
In a letter addressed to the regional bloc, the firm accused Tinubu of imposing a “pseudo-military rule” in the state. The letter, signed by Chief Festus Ogwuche in collaboration with the Campaign for Social Justice and Constitutional Democracy in Africa, alleged that Tinubu’s actions violated regional treaties and threatened democracy in West Africa.
The firm claimed that Tinubu, in his capacity as ECOWAS Chairman, suspended democratic institutions in Rivers State and installed a “neo-junta regime.” It argued that these actions contravened key international agreements, including:
- Article 4(g) of the ECOWAS Treaty, which mandates the promotion of democracy and human rights.
- Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees citizens’ right to participate in governance.
- The ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001), which requires member states to uphold democratic principles.
Crownfield Solicitors warned that Tinubu’s actions set a dangerous precedent that could encourage authoritarian rule in other ECOWAS nations. The firm stated that such developments undermine progress in stabilizing West Africa, particularly amid recent military coups in the region.
“These actions diminish ECOWAS’s credibility and its commitment to democratic governance,” the letter read in part. “If unchecked, they will embolden further violations across West Africa.”
The firm demanded:
- Tinubu’s removal as ECOWAS Chairman for failing to uphold the organization’s principles.
- The restoration of democratic institutions in Rivers State.
- Intervention by ECOWAS leaders to prevent further erosion of democracy.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Nigerian government, the ECOWAS Commission, Parliament, and Court of Justice.
The call for Tinubu’s removal follows his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, citing a protracted political crisis and vandalization of oil facilities. The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
