Politics
State of Emergency: Pro-democracy activists petition ECOWAS President, member states over unconstitutional action by President Tinubu in Rivers
A Nigerian pro-democracy coalition, Concerned Nigerians in Defence of Democratic Governance, has petitioned the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), urging urgent intervention over what it describes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s moves to undermine democracy in the country following the recent development in Rivers State.
In a letter addressed to ECOWAS Commission President, His Excellency Omar Alieu Touray, the coalition expressed concerns over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The petition jointly signed by Comrade Aliyu Tanko, Bello Adamu, Nnamdi Ekwueme, Nicholas Upelle, Sadiq Alao and
Oche Oche, was also addressed to the High Commissioners of
Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia,
Ghana, Guinea Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone
and Togo.
The activists argued that the move is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent for democratic governance in Nigeria and the broader West African region if not is done to address it.
“This has implications for how the West African subregion will fare in the future. Permit us to point out that the political crises that led to the formation of the Alliance of Shahelian States (AES) and the subsequent exit of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) did not emanate at the national levels of these nation-states; the crises began as issues at the subnational levels of these countries before escalating to national challenges that provoked military interventions.
“At the core of the disintegration, staring ECOWAS in the face is the serial injustices that national governments unleash on the constituent units of each nation. The sub-region has looked to Nigeria to play a pivotal role in managing the fallouts of the political situation created by this ugly development.”
The activists alleged that President Tinubu’s decision was politically motivated and aimed at empowering his ally, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to take control of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“He took this step despite a Supreme Court ruling that clarified that a state of emergency does not translate to a removal of the governor or of democratically elected office holders. Through our interactions with persons who are closely linked to the crisis in Rivers State, the Concerned Nigerians in Defence of Democrats Governance have established that the imposition of a state of emergency on Rivers State has nothing to do with the restoration of peace because the state was not at war even at the height of the political disagreements that President Tinubu cited as an excuse to suspend its democratically elected office holders.
“We are now aware that the action was taken to empower President Tinubu’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the immediate past governor of the state, to hijack control of the state from the opposition and fraudulent take it over for the president’s party ahead of the next general elections in 2027.
“Secondly, President Tinubu used the imposition of emergency rule to intimidate the remaining 35 state governors not to challenge his dictatorship since he had demonstrated that he could easily abuse the Constitution to remove them from office.
“Your Excellency, the threat to democratic expression in Nigeria has become so bad that the remaining 35 governors, through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), have come out to openly declare that they will not interfere in President Tinubu’s dictatorial imposition of emergency rule. Their declaration of neutrality in the face of the threat to Nigeria’s democracy is better understood against the background that several of the states are currently under siege from President Tinubu’s political mercenaries, who are creating conditions of political hostility to justify further declaration of emergency rule in other states.
“We are writing to alert ECOWAS that President Tinubu’s truncation of democratic governance in Rivers State through the unconstitutional imposition of a state of emergency has grave implications for the West Africa sub-region. Because he is poised to truncate democracy in other Nigerian states, the development would inevitably snowball into violence that could throw the country into crisis”, the letter reads.
They further accused the president of using the emergency rule as a strategy to intimidate other state governors, warning that this could lead to wider instability in the country.
The group warned that if ECOWAS fails to act, the situation could escalate into a major crisis, potentially leading to large-scale displacement of people and instability in West Africa.
They urged ECOWAS to demand the immediate reinstatement of Governor Fubara and other suspended officials, stressing that upholding democratic principles is crucial for the stability of the region.
The activists called on ECOWAS to ensure Nigeria’s leadership adheres to constitutional provisions to prevent further erosion of democracy in the country.
Cover
Renewed Hope Group Welcomes Tinubu’s Appointment of Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach
The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network (RHAN) has described the appointment of Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as Deputy Secretary for Party Outreach, Engagement, and Mobilisation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (South West zone) as a well-earned recognition of merit, loyalty, and proven capacity.
In a statement released today and signed by its Convener, Opialu M. Opialu, the grassroots organisation praised President Bola Tinubu for entrusting the strategic role to a man widely regarded as one of his most dependable and longest-serving political allies.
“Rt. Hon. James Faleke’s appointment is the logical elevation of a tested hand who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, organisational brilliance, and rock-solid loyalty to President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope project,” Opialu stated.
The statement highlighted Faleke’s critical contribution during the 2023 presidential campaign, where he served as National Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Describing the lawmaker as the engine room coordinator of nationwide mobilisation efforts, the group credited him with bridging ethnic, regional, and ideological divides, galvanising party structures, and sustaining momentum even amid intense opposition.
“Despite daunting challenges, he never flinched. His strategic mind, tireless work ethic, and unshakeable belief in Asiwaju’s vision were decisive factors in delivering the Tinubu-Shettima victory,” the statement added.
RHAN also underscored Hon. Faleke’s legendary loyalty, noting that for over two decades he has remained a consistent pillar of support for President Tinubu across multiple political battles and campaigns.
“In an era when political fidelity is increasingly rare, Rt. Hon. Faleke stands out as a shining example of principle, sacrifice, and steadfastness.
“His faithfulness has inspired countless party members and remains one of the strongest proof to the enduring bond between him and our President,” Opialu remarked.
On the legislative front, the statement celebrated Faleke’s distinguished record as the representative of Ikeja Federal Constituency.
Looking ahead, RHAN expressed confidence that Faleke’s wealth of experience will now supercharge grassroots engagement, strengthen party structures in the South West, and deepen national support for the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are convinced that this appointment will inject fresh energy into our mobilisation efforts and set the stage for even greater electoral and governance successes in the years ahead,” Opialu concluded.
The Renewed Hope Advocacy Network wished Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke “resounding success” in his new assignment and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he discharges his duties.
Politics
RSHA continues impeachment of Fubara, writes Chief Judge
The Rivers House of Assembly has continued its resolution to impeach Gov. Siminalaye Fubara and his deputy, Nma Odu.
All 26 members of the Assembly on Friday unanimously resolved during plenary to proceed with the impeachment process against both Fubara and Odu.
Consequently, the lawmakers resolved to write to the Chief Judge(CJ) of the State, as enshrined in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
They are urging the CJ to constitute a seven-man investigative panel to examine the alleged gross misconduct leveled against the governor and his deputy.
Politics
Sen. Yari’s constituency office lauds APC e-registration exercise in Zamfara
Hon. Sha’ayau Sarkinfawa, the Coordinator, Sen.. Abdul’aziz Yari Constituency office for Zamfara West Senatorial District, has commended the ongoing nationwide membership e-registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sarkinfawa, who stated this while speaking with journalists in Gusau on Thursday, stated that the exercise would promote integrity and credibility in the party membership.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the APC nationwide e-registration exercise commenced recently and would run until the end of this month.
He described the exercise as the bedrock for internal democracy.
“The APC e-registration would strength the party’s membership.
“The ongoing APC e-registration exercise is a wise political initiative and imperative determined to upgrade the data of the progressive party members electorally,” Sarkinfawa further said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for making the APC proud and wished him more strength ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
According to him, Yari and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, had already built a stronger political platform in the APC structure of the state.
“Therefore, we are expecting a tremendous success.at the end of the exercise” he added.
Sarkinfawa further said, the exercise would provide an ample opportunity for all the eligible members of the party to be duly captured in its digital register.
He added, “It will also ensure accuracy, transparency and integrity in the party’s membership.
“The exercise guarantees sanity and credibility of the party’s membership register.
“A data-driven membership registration is expected to capture every eligible member of the party across the 147 political wards of the state.
“Therefore, our members should participate fully in the exercise and make sure they are captured electronically.
“I therefore urge all APC members and stakeholders in the state to take full advantage of the e-registration and participate promptly and responsibly.$
Sarkinfawa further described the APC as the most dominant political party in Zamfara and Nigeria. adding that it would record massive victories in the 2027 General Elections.
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