Revoke State of Emergency In Rivers State, Apologize To Nigerians, Group Urges Tinubu




The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, dedicated to promoting credible elections and governance in Nigeria, condemns the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by the President of Nigeria, Ahmed Bola Tinubu and therefore Urged him to revoke the state of emergency and apologize to Nigerians.

This was contained in a press statement issued and co- signed by its various group heads and made available to the Press earlier today in Benin City the Edo State capital.


According to Comr. Obasanmi Jude Phd South-South Representative, he said the group strongly expressed its reservation about the President's decision.


"As members and partners of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, South-South Zone, we express our strong reservations about the President's decision, which appears to exceed his constitutional authority and undermine the principles of federalism.

The release further stated that, "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

 "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, adding that "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. 

They therefore implored the President to revoke the declaration and apologize to Nigerians. 

"We call on the President to revoke the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, restore constitutional order and 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.

They therefore call on all Nigerians, civil society organizations, political parties, and the international community to stand together in defense of Nigeria's democracy. 

"It is imperative that we reject any actions that undermine the constitutional principles that are the foundation of our democratic system.The protection and preservation of democratic institutions are crucial for Nigeria's stability, progress, and the well-being of its citizens. As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, it is essential that we prioritize the safeguarding of human rights, the rule of law, and the principles of federalism"






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I HAVE NOT RESCINDED MY DECISION TO RESIGN FROM ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS- Inegbeniki ... Says political Tsunami about to happen in Edo

Image
High Chief Francis Inegbeniki, a high profile politician and Chairman, CEO, Ine conglomerate, has said that he has not rescinded his decision to resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC). He made the declaration a few hours ago in a press briefing at the premises of the Edo state council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ)  Chief Francis Inegbeniki, the Uzoya of Esan land who, until his resignation yesterday from the party, was the state Vice Chairman of the party, said that he had to resign from the party as a result of what he described as some recent developments in his LGA and the state which he considered against his core values and principles adding that a political tsunami was about to happen in Edo as his exit from the party was going to be followed by so many other defectors . According to him, "there comes a time in the life of every man when some hard decisions must be taken not only in one's interest but in the general interest of his Peop...
Read more

LET YOUR PROTEST REMAIN PEACEFUL, IKPOBA HILL YOUTHS CHAIRMAN TELLS PROTESTERS

Image
The Chairman of Ikpoba Hill Youths Association, Comrade Kingsley Osemwigie has admonished the protesters in Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha local government area of Edo State to shun violence as they participate in the nationwide protest which began yesterday, the 1st of November 2024. Addressing a crowd of protesters at the first Upstairs bus stop, along the Benin Agbor road in Benin City, earlier today, Comrade Kingsley applauded the youths for engaging in peaceful protest, urging them to continue to be peaceful and to shun any violent tendencies that could breach the peace of the community.  According to him, it is the fundamental right of the citizens to fight for their rights and to protest the present bad governance which has orchestrated the escalating high cost of living adding that it was the right of the citizens to demand quality life from the government.  " Great Nigerian youths, I salute your resilience and perseverance in the face of bad leadership that h...
Read more

Catholic Priest dumps Christianity for traditional religion after completing PhD on rainmaking

Image
Dr Echezona Obiagbaosogu, a Catholic priest, has abandoned Christianity for African traditional religion after his PhD project. His PhD project is said to be on rainmaking in Igboland and he said the insight he gained during his research made him change the course of his spiritual pursuit. According to reports , Obiagbaosogu, who teaches African Traditional Religion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in Anambra State, said he was fascinated by the traditional African spirituality and the art of rainmaking. After defending his PhD Dissertation titled “Rainmaking and Control in Igbo African Medicine,” on Wednesday, he said Africa possesses enormous resources and value which have been eroded by colonial powers. He disclosed that he spent several months studying under a renowned native doctor, learning the intricacies of the craft, adding that he conducted research intending to recover the lost African values. I have come to realise that my true calling is to serve my pe...
Read more