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Ondo Killings: Fmr. Dep. Gov Urges Self-defence, Says  Gov Incompetent

By
Ayodele Oni
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Agboola Ajayi and Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, has said the unending insecurity in the state underscores the ill-preparedness and incompetence of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Ajayi, who was candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in 2024 Governorship Election, also accused Aiyedatiwa of displaying lethargic approach to insecurity in the State.

Reacting, in a statement on Wednesday to protest at the governor’s office in Akure over killing of five persons by suspected herdsmen, the former deputy governor advised Aiyedatiwa to

“take full grip of this crisis and seek help that will take Ondo State back from the grip of invading bandits forthwith.

“For the past few weeks,  Ondo State has been in the news for the very wrong reasons, the people are troubled about an emerging culture of kidnapping, banditry and killings, as at the last count, about a hundred people have been killed by criminals who invaded our State from elsewhere.

“Today, the people of Akure felt that they have had enough of this ugly development, they invaded the premises of the Government office  to express their indgnition and  frustration over this ridiculous development for which the APC government of Mr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has no answer.

“Let me underscore the fact that the security challenge confronting Ondo State is not an entirely new development, but Governments before the present had adeptly managed this odious crisis and disallowed it to fester to the level it is today.

“While I was deputy Governor of Ondo State between 2017-2021, working dutifully alongside my late boss, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, we developed a robust plan, and implemented actions that put banditry and criminality in check.

“We stopped outrightly open grazing of cattles by herdsmen and sanity ruled.

Unfortunately the gains of that era has been allowed to slip away and the people are now in pains!

“While I condemn the sloppiness and lethargy with which Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is conducting the affairs of our State, it completely underscores his ill-preparedness and incompetence to be in the saddle.

“I wish to call attention to my campaign manifestoe where I canvassed for new thinking in solving security challenges and urged absolute proactive measures to solving them, I equally laid emphassis on the lethargic approach of Mr Aiyedatiwa during the Governorship debate.

“The need to take full grip of this crisis cannot be  delayed a day longer, I therefore call on the Governor to seek help and take actions that will take Ondo State back from the grip of invading bandits forthwith.

“The Government must as a matter of fact revamp Amotekun immediately and ensure the re-creation of Armed Forest Guards that will police our forests and uproot all invading criminal elements so that peace can reign in our State.

“Due fact is accorded the fact that Mr Governor takes over a billion naira as security vote, it is time to make the administration of this fund bear results in the interest of the State, we the people do not deserve anything less.

“In conclusion, I encourage our people to begin to organise to defend themselves from undue assaults by bandits while we hope that Gov Aiyedatiwa will get his acts together soon.”

We Are In Period Of Total infrastructure Revolution In Imo  – Uzodimma

By
The Source
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that Imo State is now in a period of total infrastructure revolution, declaring that there will be no going back.

He spoke on Tuesday, March 18, when he undertook a tour of some ongoing critical State projects in Orlu Zone, to assess the level of progress recorded on them by the contractors.

Some of the key sites inspected include; the already completed Mgbidi-Omuma-Okporo road, the Orlu township road stretching from Banana junction (Amaifeke)-Umuna-Eziachi- Anara, the reconstructed Legislative Chamber for Orlu Local Government Council, and the Traditional Rulers Council Hall, both of which were destroyed at the wake of insurgence in the State.

Uzodimma equally inspected the ongoing Imo State Government House Annex at Eziachi, Orlu.

At the Imo State University Teaching Hospital Umuna, Orlu the Governor inspected the Kidney Transplant Centre, the completed Oxygen Plant as well as the various departments and wards of the hospital, during which he took the initiative to offset the medical bills of all patients in the Male Surgical Ward and that of others running into millions of Naira; a gesture that was met with jubilation from the patients.

At the Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa-Uga road ravaged by erosion and which is currently under construction, the Governor praised the quality and techniques deployed by the construction company, describing the work ethics and technology deployed to handle the construction as topnotch.

He reiterated that what is going on currently in the State is nothing but an infrastructure revolution aimed at repositioning Imo for sustainable socioeconomic development.

Uzodimma regretted that Orlu zone had faced significant challenges due to insecurity, which led to the destruction of many public assets, noting that the current period marks a time of extensive construction in the area, particularly as security has become relatively stable.

“We have a pack of multiple constructions and road projects to recover the economy of the zone and also to recover life for our people in this area.”

The Governor further stressed his resolve to impact positively on the life and wellbeing of Imo  people.

His words: “Governance is all about evidence of what you have put in place to make life more meaningful for the people. With the available scarce resources of the people, we will do our best to earn and justify the confidence they have in us.”

Governor Uzodinma was accompanied on the tour of projects by the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Development, Barr. Ralph Nwosu,  the Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area, Pastor Chris Mbarie, the Chairman of Imo Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA),  Barr. Kingsley Ononuju, the Chairman of Imo State Elders Council/Co-chairman of Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Exe Cletus Ilomuanya, the traditional ruler of Umuna Autonomous Community, HRH, Eze Douglas Okwara among others.

Breaking: Reps Members In Shouting Match Over  Rivers State

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Marie Ebikake and Blessing Amadi

By Akinwale Kasali

The Chambers of the House of Representatives was in a turmoil as Members engaged in a heated argument debate over the emergency rule declared in Rivers State.

Two Female Members shouted at each other over the political crisis in the South-South State.

The Two female Lawmakers, Marie Ebikake, PDP, Bayelsa, and Blessing Amadi, PDP, Rivers, engaged in a shouting match on the constitutionality of the President’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers.

All the face off and shouting match began before the commencement of the day’s plenary.

It took the intervention of other Lawmakers in the Chamber to prevent the issue from snowballing into an uncontrollable situation.

The President had, on Tuesday, declared a State of Emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political crisis in the state.

The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, and Members of the State Assembly for six months.

Tinubu also nominated a former Chief Of Naval Staff, Vice-admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), to administer the State for the next six months.

Following this development, Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, said President Tinubu informed the National Assembly through a letter before the State of Emergency proclamation.

Rotimi added that Tinubu’s letter informing the House of his decision and seeking approval on the State of Emergency in Rivers in line with Section 305 of the Constitution had been transmitted to the House and would be read during plenary on Wednesday for further legislative action.

He said Tinubu met with the leadership of both the Senate and House of Representatives, and the National Security Adviser and Service Chiefs before the broadcast.

Rivers’ Emergency Rule: Plot To Foist Siege Mentality In Nigeria – PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Debo Ologunagba

By Ayodele Oni

Opposition is mounting against the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described the pronouncement by President Bola Tinubu as an attack on the nation’s democracy.

The opposition party, while reacting to the six months emergency rule, stated that the action undermines the votes and Will of the people of Rivers State.

A statement signed by Debo Ologunagba reads “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and indeed, Nigerians listened with dismay to the national broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in which the President, in utter violation of the 1999 Constitution pronounced an imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State

“The PDP outrightly rejects this attempt by the President to override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and undermine the votes and Will of the people of Rivers State by seeking to depose a democratic government and foist an undemocratic rule in the State.

“The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara @SimFubaraKSC, and appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to govern the State is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy, an abrogation of the votes and democratic right of the people of Rivers State to choose their leader under the Constitution.

“The action of Mr. President, therefore, clearly borders on an attempt at state capture.

“It is the climax of a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers State for which the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been bent on stoking crisis to ensure that democracy is ultimately truncated in the State.

“Nigerians are invited to note that the situation in Rivers State and the reasons adduced by the President cannot justify the declaration of a state of emergency in the State under the 1999 Constitution, rendering the declaration completely incompetent.

“The PDP alerts that the unwarranted imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is part of the larger vicious plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate the opposition, impose a totalitarian one-party State, and turn the country into a fiefdom

“In any case, nothing in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution relied upon by the President in the declaration grants him the exclusive powers to declare or execute the declaration of a state of emergency without recourse to the statutory approval of the National Assembly.

“Mr. President should recognize that his order to an unelected individual to forthwith take over the government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis, a threat to the peace and stability of not only Rivers State but the entire nation.

“For emphasis, Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years which tenure cannot be unconstitutionally abridged.

“The PDP, therefore, cautions Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and ensure that he does not take any action or step that is capable of derailing smooth democratic Governance in Rivers State.

“Nigeria is not under military rule, where the Governance of a State is by appointment by a junta.”

Ondo: Protesters Dump Corpses Of Farmers At Governor’s Office

By
Ayodele Oni
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Protesters in Ondo State

By Ayodele Oni

Akure the Ondo State Capital was on Wednesday shut down  as angry protesters stormed the Governor’s Office at Alagbaka, shutting down operations over the brutal killing of five farmers by suspected armed herdsmen.

Corpses of the victims were also dumped at the entrance of the Governor’s office by the protesters.

The attack, which took place in the Aba Oyinbo area of Akure North Local Government Area, is the second deadly assault on farmers in the region within two weeks.

Sometimes last week some villagers from the area claimed that, more than 20 farmers were reportedly killed in similar attacks across four farm settlements in the same local government area.

The enraged protesters blocked the entrance to the Governor’s Office, demanding urgent action from the state government to address the worsening security crisis in farming communities.

Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over the rising attacks, accusing the government of failing to protect them.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had previously assured the public of strengthened security measures following the earlier killings, but the fresh incident has reignited anger and frustration among the people.

The governor had met with heads of security agencies in the state promising provision of equipment to assist them in their duties.

Just few days ago, the commissioner of police in the state celebrated the arrest of some suspected kidnappers terrorizing parts of the state.

Security operatives have been deployed to the Governor’s Office to prevent further unrest, while the state government is yet to release an official statement on the killings and the ongoing protests.

Obi To Tinubu On Rivers Emergency Rule: Your Action Threatens Democracy, Reckless

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi and Bola Tinubu

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, has joined other prominent Nigerians who have condemned the declaration  of Emergency Rule in Rivers state, saying the president abused his powers under the constitution.

The former LP presidential candidate called on the National Assembly to reject the president’s action, which he also described to be reckless.

Following his Tuesday’s declaration of Emergency Rule in the oil bearing state, citing security risks, President Tinubu had written the National Assembly to approve his action which he said is necessary to avert further breakdown of law and order  restive state.

But in a remark on his verified X handle on Wednesday, the former Anambra state governor said the president’s action is against constitutional democracy and good governance, capable of plunging the country “back into a state of lawlessness”, adding that the president has ‘trampled’ on democracy by his action.

He stressed that the unilateral suspension of Governor Siminalaye Fubara and the state House of Assembly is unconstitutional, noting that the president lacked the power to remove an elected governor.

The magazine reported that President Tinubu, had after suspending Governor Fubara appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a former Chief of Naval staff, as the state Administrator for six months with approval from the National Assembly.

The former governor however said the president was dead wrong to have carried out the action, urging the National Assembly to do what is right  by throwing out the presidents request.

”The unilateral decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office is not only unconstitutional but also reckless,’ Obi said.

“It has plunged us back into a state of lawlessness, undoing the progress we have made over 26 years of democratic governance.

He added, “By disregarding the rule of law, the President has shown a dangerous willingness to trample on democracy.

“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is not just reckless—it is a clear attempt to tighten his grip on power at all costs.

“The situation does not justify such an extreme measure, and it is a biased interpretation of Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

“A state of emergency does not grant the President the power to unilaterally remove an elected Governor. This action goes against democratic norms and good governance.

“Instead, it appears to be a predetermined move serving specific interests rather than the collective good of Rivers State and Nigeria.

“This unconstitutional overreach sets a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy, the rule of law, and the separation of powers. If left unchecked, it will entrench impunity in our political system.

“Having already struggled with electoral irregularities, non-adherence to qualification rules, and massive rigging, adding the arbitrary removal of elected officials will push us closer to lawlessness and anarchy.

“I appeal to the National Assembly and all stakeholders to resist this development. Allowing it to stand will only deepen the existing culture of impunity and brigandage that threatens our democracy.”

State Of Emergency: “This is Absolute Armageddon” – By Bode George

By
The Source
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Bode George

“This is absolute Armageddon. Total disrespect for constituted authority. The Constitution has been viciously violated.

“We can’t keep quiet. This is recklessness of the highest order.

“What did Fubara do? As the Commander-in-Chief, you gave Wike soldiers and security agents to try to destabilise Rivers State.

“The Governor does not have powers over any security agency. Like a gentleman that he is, he kept his cool. Nobody has told me what the governor did to warrant this dictatorial emergency rule.

“What type of democracy is this in 2025? This is how it started in 1962 and 1983. This is a dress rehearsal of what Tinubu wants to do in 2027. APC wants to get all states through unconstitutional means.

“This state of emergency is absolute balderdash. Did he get the approval of the National Assembly before his broadcast?

“What happened in Rivers before today was the hand of Esau and voice of Jacob.

“Why didn’t he declare a state of emergency in Lagos when the lawmakers were fighting? Why? Why did he invite Diete-Spiff and Niger Delta leaders last week when he knew where he was going? Is Tinubu now becoming a civilian dictator?”.

Rivers: PDP Govs Demand Reversal Of ‘Atrocious’ Emergency Rule

By
James Orji
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Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, PDPGF, has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state, saying his action will further exacerbate the political crisis in the state.

President Tinubu’s decision, the PDP Governors said has further proved that he took side with some political actors in the state who are part of the protracted crisis that has rocked the oil rich  state for months.

In a statement signed by the Forum Chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state on Wednesday, the PPDGF said Tinubu’s action was an overreach, adding that they stand with Governor Siminalaye Fubara.

Recall that President Tinubu, had on Tuesday, declared emergency rule in the  state, suspending Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly, citing his powers under the constitution to maintain peace in the restive state.

The president’s action has however elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians, by those who said he was right to do so, while others contended that Tinubu’s action is unconstitutional.

The PDPGF described the president’s action as ‘unstatemanly’, urging him to “reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late.“

Part of the statement reads, “The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum ( PDPGF) notes with grave concern and utter misgiving the suspension of democratic rule in Rivers State by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast of Tuesday, 18th March, 2025.

“We stand in solidarity with His Excellency , Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state’s political history. There is no other time that our philosophy of “TOUCH ONE TOUCH ALL” is more apt than now.

“He who goes to the court of equity must go with clean hands. Mr. President , your silence on the active role played by your Minister of the FCT in the Rivers impasse is golden and enabling. He has become a law unto himself because he was playing out your script. Now we know. This is totally unstatemanly, biased, and divisive.

“We state categorically that this unwarranted but premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party and other opposition parties is today, the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country, Nigeria and it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good. It is a dangerous course of action that will not only endanger our hard won democracy, but will exacerbate the crises in the nation, deepen mistrust, elevate security threats, destroy the economy, and our national cohesion and stability.

“The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in it’s response signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has already expressed grave concern about the purported suspension by the President of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and the Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The NBA affirmed their commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria. In their words, “A state of emergency is an extraordinary measure that must be invoked strictly within constitutional limits. The removal of elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule is unconstitutional and unacceptable.

“The Forum completely aligns itself with the NBA and promises to subject Section 305 (3) of the Constitution to judicial interpretation. This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand.

“Mr President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grevious mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late.“

Following the suspension of Governor Fubara, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the state Administrator for a period of six months.

State Emergency: We Will Face The Situation With Wisdom, Patience – Gov Fubara

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The embattled Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has sued for calm and peace among the  people, amidst the declaration of emergency in the State, and  his suspension from office for an initial six months.

President Bola Tinubu, in a move that has left not a few shocked and utterly  disappointed, on Tuesday, declared Emergency Rule in Rivers State, and, suspended, the Governor ,his Deputy and Members of the State House of  Assembly in the State.

The President cited  the breakdown of governance, potent threat to peace and  stability, as well as the need to restore sanity in  Rivers State, and the country as major reasons.

The declaration of a State Emergency by the President marks the climax of months of intense political struggle  for the control of the soul of Rivers State between  Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the  Federal Capital Territory Minister.

In a nationwide broadcast  Tuesday evening, President Tinbubu, appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff ,Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, as the Administrator of the State  for an initial period of six months.

However, reacting to the development Tuesday night March 18 ,2025  in a statement which he personally signed, Governor Fubara insisted that he has remained loyal to the peace, interest, and wellbeing of the State and the people ever since mounting the saddle in 2023.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace and stability of the State, the rule of law and democracy.

“I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility ,and calm as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our State’s political history.

“Since assuming office as your Governor, we have prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.

“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

“This was why immediately after Mr President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back Commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.

“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment after receiving the Certified True Copy of the judgment to return the State to normalcy.

“But unfortunately, at every turn,the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress challenging.

Our priorities remained the security of lives and property, advancing the wellbeing, and prosperity of Rivers people .

“Yes, we have political disagreement, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward.

“Above all, Rivers state is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch. At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

“We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers state ,continues to thrive.

“We have always been resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience and unwavering faith in the democratic process”, the statement reads in part.

Emergency Rule In Rivers; National Assembly Duly Informed – Spokesman; NBA Faults Process

By
Ayodele Oni
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Akin Rotimi Jnr

By Ayodele Oni

The National Assembly has confirmed that it was briefed about the emergency rule in Rivers State before President Bola Tinubu made the decision public.

Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi Jnr, stated that “I can confirm that the National Assembly was duly consulted by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in reaching this decision.

“The leadership of the National Assembly met with the President and the National Security Adviser ahead of the broadcast, alongside key security chiefs.

“During this meeting, they were fully briefed on Mr. President’s intentions, and all present unanimously expressed their support.

“Furthermore, Mr. President’s formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted and will be read during plenary tomorrow, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with further legislative action to be debated and decided.”

Recall, however, that the briefing being referred to, was held same day as the emergency rule action was taken.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), holds a different opinion. In a reaction the NBA maintained that “The 1999 Constitution does not grant the President the power to remove an elected Governor, Deputy Governor, or members of a state’s legislature under the guise of a state of emergency.

“Rather, the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor and Deputy Governor as per Section 188. Similarly, the removal of members of the House of Assembly and dissolution of parliament is governed by constitutional provisions and electoral laws, none of which appear to have been adhered to in the present circumstances.

“A declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments. The Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials—such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure.”

The NBA through its President,

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, pointed out that “The purported removal of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is therefore unconstitutional, unlawful, and a dangerous affront to our nation’s democracy.

“Furthermore, subsection (2) of Section 305 provides that: “A Proclamation issued by the President under this section shall cease to have effect—

(a) if it is not approved by a resolution of the National Assembly within two days when the National Assembly is in session; or

(b) if the National Assembly is not in session, within ten days after it reconvenes.”

“These provisions provide that a state of emergency declared by the President does not assume automatic validity. It requires legislative ratification within a defined timeframe to remain in effect.

“The NBA, therefore, emphasizes that unless the National Assembly duly approves the proclamation, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State remains constitutionally inchoate and ineffective.

“In light of the foregoing, the Nigerian Bar Association:

  • Affirms that the President does not have the constitutional power to remove an elected governor under a state of emergency.

“Any such action is an unconstitutional encroachment on democratic governance and the autonomy of state governments.

“Calls on the National Assembly to reject any unconstitutional attempt to ratify the removal of the Rivers State Governor and other elected officials. The approval of a state of emergency must be based on strict constitutional grounds, not political expediency.

“Warns that suspending elected officials under emergency rule sets a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy and could be misused to unseat elected governments in the future.

“Demands that all actions taken in Rivers State strictly conform to constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s democratic norms.

“Encourages all stakeholders, including the judiciary, civil society, and the international community, to closely monitor the situation in Rivers State to prevent unconstitutional governance and abuse of power.”

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