The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, following sharp criticism from former President Goodluck Jonathan and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. While speaking at a colloquium in Abuja, Jonathan decried the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and state lawmakers, cautioning that it tarnishes Nigeria’s global image and undermines democracy. In a separate interview, Soyinka argued that the move violated the spirit of federalism and called for constitutional reforms to limit presidential powers.
President Tinubu, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution had suspended elected officials and appointed retired Naval Chief Ibok-Ette Ibas as sole administrator, quoting a breakdown of governance and security threats. The National Assembly approved the emergency rule in spite of internal opposition.
Responding, Presidential aide Temitope Ajayi maintained that Tinubu acted lawfully to protect national unity. However, civil society groups including #BringBackOurGirls and FixPolitics have denounced the move as unconstitutional, cautioning it sets a dangerous precedent. Rights groups plan a nationwide protest on April 7. Activists including Aisha Yesufu and Anthony Ubani pledged legal action—demanding reinstatement of elected officials and a halt to what they call “constitutional rascality.”
