Activists Petition ECOWAS Over State of Emergency in Rivers, Warn of Threat to Democracy

A Nigerian pro-democracy coalition, Concerned Nigerians in Defence of Democratic Governance, has petitioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), calling for urgent intervention against what it describes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unconstitutional actions following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

In a letter addressed to ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray, the coalition condemned the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly, arguing that the move undermines Nigeria’s democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for the region. The petition, signed by Comrade Aliyu Tanko, Bello Adamu, Nnamdi Ekwueme, Nicholas Upelle, Sadiq Alao, and Oche Oche, was also sent to High Commissioners of multiple West African nations, warning of potential instability.

The group compared the situation to past crises that led to the formation of the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) and the subsequent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS. It cautioned that similar political instability at the subnational level in Nigeria could escalate into a national crisis with broader regional consequences.

The activists accused Tinubu of acting in favor of his ally, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike, allegedly positioning him to take control of the state ahead of the 2027 elections. They argued that the president’s decision violates a Supreme Court ruling that a state of emergency does not authorize the removal of elected officials. The petition further alleged that Tinubu’s actions were meant to intimidate other state governors, discouraging opposition to his administration.

Expressing concern over the broader implications of the move, the coalition warned that if ECOWAS does not intervene, the situation could spiral into widespread instability, potentially leading to violence and displacement across the region. The activists urged ECOWAS to demand the immediate reinstatement of Governor Fubara and other suspended officials, emphasizing that upholding democratic principles is critical to maintaining stability in West Africa.