The United States-based Institute of Law Research and Development (ILAWDUN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning that failure to do so could irreparably damage his legacy and undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
In a statement issued Monday, Professor Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, Director of ILAWDUN and a scholar of International Environmental and Public Law, condemned both the governor’s suspension and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
He warned that the move threatens constitutional integrity and sets a dangerous precedent for the nation’s democracy.
“A state of emergency should only be declared in the event of a genuine breakdown of law and order that overwhelms the Nigeria Police Force. That threshold was not met in Rivers State,” Prof. Edward-Ekpo stated.
He cautioned that if the Supreme Court validates the suspension and emergency rule imposed on a democratically elected governor by another elected official, it would represent a grave constitutional violation.
“Such a decision,” he added, “would leave a permanent stain on your legacy as a president who legitimized illegality and undermined democratic principles.”
ILAWDUN also expressed concern over the potential outcome of a suit currently before the Supreme Court, filed by seven opposition governors challenging the legality of Fubara’s suspension.
The institute urged the Court to avoid dismissing the case on technical grounds, warning that any perceived judicial compromise would further erode public trust in both the judiciary and the presidency.
The statement concluded with a strong appeal to President Tinubu to restore Governor Fubara, uphold democratic norms, and reaffirm his commitment to the rule of law, stating that the future of Nigeria’s democratic institutions depends on it.
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