LSJ Condemns Tinubu's Tyrannical Power Grab in Rivers State

The League for Social Justice (LSJ) unequivocally condemns President Bola Tinubu’s brazen, dictatorial, and unconstitutional declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This reckless power grab is nothing short of an assault on Nigeria’s democracy, a mockery of federalism, and a dangerous descent into authoritarian rule.

Let us be clear: there is no legal or moral justification for this blatant hijacking of a democratically elected government. By suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state legislature, Tinubu has not only trampled on the will of the people but also shredded the Constitution he swore to uphold. His invocation of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution is an insult to intelligence—political disagreements do not constitute an “emergency” by any stretch of the law.

The appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, a military officer with no democratic mandate, is an outrageous move that reeks of desperation and a return to Nigeria’s darkest days of military dictatorship. Tinubu is signaling to Nigerians that elections no longer matter, and that with enough force and impunity, an elected government can be overthrown at will.

This is not just an attack on Rivers State—it is a declaration of war on democracy itself. If this lawless act stands, no state is safe from federal overreach, and no election result is beyond manipulation.

The LSJ stands firmly against this unconstitutional action and demands:

1. Immediate Reversal of the State of Emergency – The federal government must withdraw this illegal proclamation and restore the legitimate government of Rivers State.

2. Respect for Democratic Institutions – The President must uphold the principles of federalism and allow Rivers State to resolve its internal political conflicts without external interference.

3. National Assembly & Judiciary Intervention – The National Assembly must reject this blatant abuse of power, and the judiciary must act decisively to uphold the Constitution.

We call on civil society organizations, legal practitioners, and all defenders of democracy to resist this unconstitutional act. If allowed to stand, this reckless intervention will embolden further federal overreach into state governance, threatening the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

The people of Rivers State must not be silenced. LSJ stands in solidarity with them in this moment of crisis. Democracy must prevail!