By Ehichioya Steve Odion
The South-South Zone of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of over 200 civil society organisations has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke the presidential proclamation declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State, restore all the democratic institutions suspended by the Order and apologise to the people of the state and Nigerians in general, for undermining their democratic choice and usurping the powers of their elected leaders.
The group made its position known in a press release signed by Comrade Dr. Jude Obasanmi, South-South Representative;
Dr. Bright Oniovikukor of Indomitable Youth Organisation, Comrade (Mrs) Abiola Igaga from Take a Cure Development Initiative; Comr (Dr) Batholomeum Okundo CONGOs, Edo State and representatives of six other civil society organisations in the South-South geo-political zone of the Country which was made available to newsmen in Benin City on Monday, 23 March.
Raising concerns on the dangers inherent in the Emergency proclamation in Rivers State and the consequent suspension of democratic structures in the state, the Civil Society Organisations Situation Room observed that the Order contravenes the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
"The President's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State contravenes the Nigerian Constitution, which grants states autonomy to govern through democratically elected officials. This action undermines the principles of federalism and the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution.
"We call on the President to revoke the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and restore constitutional order.
"The suspension of elected officials and the imposition of a federally appointed Administrator in Rivers State severely undermines the democratic rights of the people. By electing their leaders, the citizens of Rivers State exercised their constitutional right to participatory governance.
The President's action disregards this democratic choice, disenfranchising citizens and undermining the legitimacy of their duly elected government.
"If this declaration is allowed to stand, it sets a dangerous precedent for future undemocratic actions by the federal government against other states. This could embolden leaders to subvert democracy for personal or political gain, jeopardizing Nigeria's progress in strengthening democratic governance since 1999 and pushing the country toward authoritarian rule.
"The President must publicly apologize to the people of Rivers State and Nigeria for violating their democratic rights and unlawfully usurping the powers of their elected leaders.
"We call on the Judiciary and relevant stakeholders to safeguard Nigeria's democracy, prevent any future violations of constitutional principles and ensure the protection of democratic institutions; while the notorious section 305 of the Constitution should be reviewed to provide more clarity and limits of its application.
"We urge the National Assembly to exercise its oversight function, ensuring the President's actions algin with the Constitution and prevent any potential abuse of power.
While calling upon all Nigerians, civil society organizations, political parties, the National Assembly and the international community to stand together in defence of Nigeria's democracy, the group pointed out that "The protection and preservation of democratic institutions are crucial for Nigeria's stability, progress, and the well-being of its citizens. It is imperative that we reject any actions that undermine the constitutional principles that are the foundation of our democratic system".
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