Coalition Calls For Urgent End To Emergency Rule In Rivers

A civic coalition under the banner of the Citizens’ Action for Democratic Restoration (CADR) has called for the immediate end of emergency rule in Rivers State, warning that the federal government’s intervention has derailed constitutional order and deepened unrest in the oil-rich state.

The group, led by its National President, Dr. Maryleen Ebere Okoro, faulted President Bola Tinubu for appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator.

They described the emergency rule as a “reckless overreach” that has compounded the Rivers crisis and stifled the will of the people.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt and made available to journalists, CADR criticised the administrator’s continued suspension of democratic institutions and imposition of unilateral rule without legal or legislative backing.

“President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers may have been driven by a desire to stabilise the state, but the appointment of a sole administrator who has suspended state structures, defied court rulings, and threatened peaceful protesters has ruined any good intention that may have existed. This is no longer intervention, it is occupation,” she said.

CADR listed several worrying developments since the March 18 emergency declaration: the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and the the house of assembly; the mass sacking of political appointees and state executives; the appointment of local government administrators in defiance of subsisting court orders; and repeated crackdowns on protest groups, particularly women-led demonstrations demanding a return to civil governance.

Speaking further, Dr. Okoro noted that attempts to intimidate protesters only betray the government’s loss of moral authority.

“When women carrying placards are tear-gassed, it is no longer about peacekeeping. It becomes state-sponsored repression. We cannot build unity on the foundation of fear.”

CADR also challenged the President’s silence in the face of escalating criticism from civil rights organisations, legal experts, and ordinary citizens.

According to the group, a proper stakeholder dialogue, including traditional rulers, civil society, and elected representatives, could have resolved the conflict without undermining constitutional democracy.

The group warned that allowing Ibas to continue in office under emergency powers risks setting a dangerous precedent.

“Today, it is Rivers. Tomorrow, it could be any state where political disagreements exist. If one man can replace an entire government by federal decree, then our democracy is in grave danger,” Okoro said.

“The situation in Rivers is not democratic and so we urge President Tinubu immediately rescind the emergency order, reinstate Fubara, and initiate a peacebuilding process anchored in constitutional law.

“Our message is clear. The administrator must go. The emergency rule must end. Nigerians did not die for democracy only to be ruled by decree again. Enough is enough,” she declared.