A civil society group, Save Democracy Vanguard, has written to the United Nations over the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
In the letter addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General and signed by Dr. Ali Mohammed Ali, Executive Director of the group, Save Democracy Vanguard described the situation in Rivers as a national emergency, warning that the country’s democracy is “on the red line” and could collapse if the international community fails to act now.
“This is no longer an internal matter. What we are witnessing in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers state, is a complete deviation from the democratic process. The international community must not look away while constitutional order is being dismantled with the silent backing of the federal authorities,” the letter reads.
“The installation of a sole administrator in place of elected officials and the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara without due process amount to a civilian coup and should be treated as such.
“It is deeply troubling that while terrorists and bandits continue to sack communities and murder innocent citizens across several states without the declaration of emergency rule, the federal government chose to impose what is effectively military rule in Rivers over a political disagreement between two individuals.”
Save Democracy Vanguard described the actions in Rivers as setting a dangerous precedent that could destabilise the entire country if not addressed immediately.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers is an assault on the will of the people. A state that voted for its leaders now finds itself under the grip of a single individual with no mandate. The sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has sacked local government officials and heads of government institutions in the state and he’s ruling by decree. This is a tragedy for democracy in Africa’s most populous nation.”
The group noted that the crisis in Rivers has triggered widespread protests, particularly among women who have taken to the streets to demand the reinstatement of Governor Fubara and the restoration of democratic rule.
“Our mothers, sisters, and daughters in Rivers are leading peaceful demonstrations daily. They are crying out for justice, for democracy, and for the return of their elected governor. They are not only defending Fubara but defending the principle that power belongs to the people,” the group added.
“We are calling on the UN and all lovers of democracy to step in immediately. Nigeria’s democracy is bleeding; Rivers is the latest victim. If nothing is done, this Rivers experiment will spread to other states and the country may collapse into anarchy. The people have done their part—now, the international community must not fail them,” the group said.
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