Strengthening Democracy Group Expresses Concern Over the Declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State

Press Statement

20th March 2025

(Abuja, Nigeria) We, the undersigned civil society organisations, namely: the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), the African  Centre for Leadership, Strategy &  Development (Centre LSD), and the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) express deep concern over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While we recognise the urgent need to address the security challenges posed by pipeline vandalism and broader governance issues in Rivers State, we emphasise the importance of ensuring that this intervention upholds democratic principles, respects the rights of citizens, and remains within the bounds of constitutional order and provisions.

The suspension of the duly elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and state lawmakers raises significant concerns about the potential erosion of democratic governance and constitutional order. The removal of elected officials without due process sets a troubling precedence that could undermine democratic institutions in Nigeria. While security and stability are paramount, solutions must be pursued within a framework that respects the rule of law, transparency, and accountability.

We acknowledge the Federal Government’s intervention but note that it was largely ad hoc, lacking a structural and sustainable approach to resolving the crisis. Rather than imposing emergency rule, the Federal Government had an opportunity to establish an independent mediation committee to facilitate dialogue and address the root causes of the crisis. However, this option was overlooked in favour of executive action, which risks exacerbating tensions and deepening political divisions.

Furthermore, while the Federal Government has placed blame on the state Governor as the Chief Security Officer of Rivers State, it is pertinent to highlight that Nigeria’s security architecture is overtly centralised and almost entirely controlled by the Federal Government. State Governors, despite their titles, lack direct operational control over security agencies, which report to federal authorities. Holding the Governor solely responsible for security failures without addressing this structural imbalance ignores the systemic flaws that contribute to insecurity across Nigeria.

We strongly urge President Tinubu to suspend the state of emergency and instead establish a High-Level Conflict Management Committee to work in collaboration with existing mediation efforts  to find a lasting resolution to the crisis in Rivers State. A state of emergency should always be a measure of last resort, not the first response to governance challenges.

Additionally, the appointment of a non-elected official to govern Rivers State for six months is excessive and unnecessary. The issues at hand can be resolved in a significantly shorter time frame through structured dialogue, inclusive engagement, and a commitment to democratic processes. Extending emergency rule for such a prolonged period risks further destabilising the state, creating uncertainty, and weakening public trust in democratic institutions.

We call on the Federal Government to provide clear timelines and a well-defined roadmap for restoring democratic governance in Rivers State. The voices of the people must remain central to decisions affecting their governance and security. Civil society organisations and independent monitors should be allowed to assess the situation freely, ensuring that human rights and democratic norms are upheld.

As organisations committed to the advancement of democracy, good governance, and human rights in  Africa, we will continue to monitor the developments in Rivers State and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that this crisis does not lead further to democratic backsliding.

We urge the Federal Government, the National Assembly and civil society, to support efforts that prioritise dialogue, constitutional governance, and security sector reforms over emergency rule. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed in the name of short-term security measures.

1. Dauda Garuba, PhD.

Director,

Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa)

2. Mr. Monday Osasah

Executive Director

African Centre for Leadership, Strategy &  Development (Centre LSD)

3. Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu

Executive Director

Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA)