When President Bola Tinubu addressed Nigerians, and particularly the people of Rivers State, on 18 March, 2025, many expected reassurance amid political tension.
Development Diaries reports that the president declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, coupled with the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
If this sounds like a dictatorship disguised as democracy, that’s because it is.
President Tinubu’s move to unseat the elected leaders of Rivers State under the pretext of emergency rule is not only unconstitutional but also a complete betrayal of the democratic principles he once championed.
Let’s get one thing clear: Nigeria’s 1999 constitution is not a buffet where the president gets to pick and choose which provisions suit his appetite.
Section 305, which governs the declaration of a state of emergency, does not give the president the power to suspend elected officials.
But what exactly did Tinubu claim triggered this drastic measure? Political tension and the vandalisation of pipelines ‘between yesterday and today’.
The same pipelines have been vandalised for decades without any governor losing their seat. Moreover, the president failed to demonstrate statesmanship in the political dispute by showing bias in favor of his minister and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike.
Let’s have a look at the constitution. Section 305(3) provides that a state of emergency may be declared only in circumstances like war, imminent danger of invasion, a breakdown of public order to an uncontrollable degree, or a natural disaster.
Nowhere does it mention ‘political tension’ or ‘pipeline vandalism’ as reasons to oust elected officials. What the president has done is a constitutional blunder and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
Tinubu, the critic of emergency rule
Tinubu’s latest antics are nothing short of hypocritical. In 2004, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, Tinubu was one of the most vocal critics of the declaration of emergency rule in Plateau State.
He accused Obasanjo of ‘brazenly trampling on democracy’ and insisted that states have a right to self-governance.
His words were bold and unwavering:
‘The declaration of a state of emergency in Plateau State is an abuse of executive powers and a complete violation of democratic norms. The constitution does not allow for such recklessness’, he said.
Fast forward to 2025, and Tinubu, who once defended democracy with passion, has now become its greatest threat.
Why this matters to every Nigerian
Imagine your local government chairman being suspended or removed from office just because the president thinks there is too much political bickering in your area.
Or consider your governor being sacked because some pipelines were vandalised overnight. This is not just about Rivers State; it is about protecting the democratic rights of every Nigerian, no matter the state they live in.
The people of Rivers elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his mandate can only be taken away through the lawful procedure outlined in the constitution.
What the National Assembly can do
The constitution makes it clear that a state of emergency declared by the president does not automatically take effect without the approval of the National Assembly within two days if in session or within ten days if not.
This is where our lawmakers must decide whether they will stand on the side of democracy or bow to the whims of executive overreach.
The National Assembly has another great opportunity to earn the trust of the Nigerian people by rejecting this unconstitutional power grab.
Anything less would set a dangerous precedent, where any president can use political tension as an excuse to dismantle duly elected governments.
