Prominent leaders, activists, lawyers, and civil society voices from Nigeria’s South-South region have called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reinstate Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who they claim was unconstitutionally suspended on March 18 following the declaration of a controversial state of emergency in the state.
They urged the president not to wait until the expiration of the six-month emergency rule on September 18 before restoring Fubara, his deputy, and the members of the state House of Assembly, who were also removed from office with backing from the National Assembly.
The political standoff between Fubara and his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, was widely seen as the catalyst for the emergency. Although both leaders publicly reconciled in June in the presence of President Tinubu, stakeholders say the federal government’s continued delay in lifting the emergency rule signals a dangerous precedent for democratic governance.
Time to lift the emergency is now” — Ambakederimo
Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, convener of the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), told *Saturday Vanguard* that the conditions that allegedly led to the emergency have dissipated and that there is no justification for the governor’s continued suspension.
“Rivers State is quiet, and the peace of the state is not threatened,” Ambakederimo said. “The National Assembly has passed the budget of the state; therefore, it should not take a day longer than necessary to repudiate the proclamation.”
He also noted that any pressure for Fubara to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) or align politically with Wike is a personal decision, but should not affect the state’s constitutional governance.
Tinubu’s action was wrong from the start” — Prof. Okaba
Professor Benjamin Okaba, president of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), denounced the president’s decision, calling it a breach of democratic norms.
“We frowned at it and will continue to do so until normalcy returns to Rivers State and Nigeria’s democracy,” Okaba said, adding that the INC and other Ijaw groups expect swift redress.
A constitutional breach, not a political family squabble” — Omare
Eric Omare, lawyer and former president of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), warned that the matter goes beyond politics and strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s constitutional order.
“What is important is that the action is unconstitutional and a sad moment in our democratic journey,” Omare said. “Issues relating to fundamental breaches of the constitution cannot be settled on the altar of resolving a godfather and political son relationship.”
He urged those who filed a case with the Supreme Court to pursue it to its conclusion, regardless of the president’s eventual actions.
Every day under emergency rule is an assault on democracy” — Cleric
Human rights lawyer Alaowei Cleric, chair of the Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (CHURAC), expressed frustration at what he called a “brazen rape of democracy.”
“Suspending governance in Rivers State in violation of the constitution is the height of executive rascality,” he said, blaming both the National Assembly and the Supreme Court for failing to act on the matter with the seriousness it deserves.
Stop executive rascality in Rivers” — Adima
Political activist Blessing Adima also criticized the president’s inaction following the reconciliation between Wike and Fubara.
“After the reconciliation, it is expected that President Tinubu will call off the suspension,” she said. “The longer Governor Fubara remains suspended, the more disillusioned the Rivers people become.”
She also raised concerns over the legitimacy of the Rivers State budget passed by the National Assembly, calling it an encroachment on state autonomy.
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As calls mount for President Tinubu to respect constitutional limits and restore normal governance in Rivers State, the country watches closely. Many warn that how the federal government handles the situation will set a precedent—either reinforcing or eroding Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
