The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the National Assembly to reject any attempt to impose a State of Emergency in Rivers State, describing such a move as unconstitutional, politically motivated, and an abuse of executive power.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), CISLAC accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of taking sides in the ongoing political crisis by consistently supporting former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The organization alleged that Tinubu’s actions have allowed Wike to exert undue influence over Rivers State’s governance, fostering political godfatherism and weakening democratic institutions.
“The President’s actions have emboldened political godfatherism and undermined democratic governance, allowing a single individual who is no longer in state government to cripple governance in Rivers,” Rafsanjani stated.
CISLAC stressed that under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a State of Emergency can only be declared in cases of severe insecurity, a breakdown of law and order, or institutional collapse—none of which, it argued, apply to Rivers State. The statement pointed out that schools, hospitals, markets, and government institutions continue to function normally, with no reports of violence or an official request from the governor for such drastic action.
The organization warned that the proposed emergency rule appears to be an attempt to remove a democratically elected governor under the guise of restoring order, while failing to address Wike’s role in the crisis. CISLAC described this as a dangerous precedent that could be replicated in other states.
“Today, it is Rivers State; tomorrow, it could be any other state where the President’s allies seek to impose their will,” the statement read.
CISLAC called on the National Assembly to reject any such proposal, urging lawmakers to uphold democratic values rather than succumb to political pressure. It reminded them that a two-thirds majority is required to approve a State of Emergency and emphasized the need to prioritize national stability over partisan interests.
The group also raised concerns over reports of similar plans for Kano and Osun States, warning that such actions could destabilize the country, fuel public unrest, and tarnish Nigeria’s international reputation. It urged Nigerians to remain peaceful but vigilant in resisting any undemocratic moves while calling on the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to oppose any effort to undermine constitutional governance.
CISLAC further reminded President Tinubu of his duty to protect democracy and warned that any attempt to suppress democratic institutions would be met with strong resistance from civil society and the Nigerian public.
“Nigeria’s democracy is at stake, and history will judge those who choose personal ambition over the will of the people,” the statement concluded.