Human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional move that must be rejected by the National Assembly.
In a statement issued in Owerri on Thursday, Ejiofor argued that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s lawmakers was not only undemocratic but also a direct assault on Nigeria’s constitutional framework. He described the move as a political strategy to appease powerful interests rather than a response to any legitimate crisis.
Ejiofor cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stressing that Rivers State does not meet the legal conditions for an emergency declaration. “There is no war, no large-scale unrest, and no imminent security threat to justify this drastic action,” he stated.
He warned that the National Assembly must rise to the occasion and reject what he called an “abuse of executive power.” Should lawmakers fail, Ejiofor urged the judiciary to intervene to uphold democracy and prevent a dangerous precedent.
His statement adds to the growing outrage over Tinubu’s decision, with many Nigerians questioning the motives behind the move and its implications for democratic governance in the country.
