Nigerians Petition African Union Over Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Rivers State
A coalition of Nigerian professionals and political figures has formally petitioned the African Union (AU) over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. The group argues that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly is unconstitutional and a direct threat to democracy.
In a letter addressed to AU Commission Chairperson Alhaji Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the coalition—led by Professor Senator Opeyemi Ola, Professor Adah George, Rt. Hon. Dr James Oloko, and Dr Mrs Evelyn E. Ogolime urged the AU to take decisive action against what they described as an abuse of power.
The petition asserts that President Tinubu’s decision violates Section 305 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which does not grant him the power to suspend or remove elected officials. It also highlights that Section 188 explicitly outlines the only legal process for removing a governor.
“With President Tinubu as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is expected to set an example of democratic governance in Africa. Unfortunately, his decision to suspend the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State and the State House of Assembly is a clear violation of the Constitution and an affront to democratic principles,” the petition reads.
The coalition has urged the AU to:
- Send a fact-finding mission to Rivers State to assess the situation.
- Pressure Tinubu to lift the state of emergency and restore the elected government.
- Ensure Nigeria upholds democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law.
The petition warns that the suspension of democratic institutions could lead to widespread unrest, violence, and instability, posing a threat to Nigeria and the African region. The group emphasized that Tinubu’s actions set a dangerous precedent for suppressing democratic institutions across Africa.
As the crisis unfolds, all eyes are now on the African Union to determine whether it will intervene and uphold democratic governance in one of Africa’s most influential nations.