A civil society group, Save Democracy Vanguard, has petitioned the United Nations to intervene urgently in the matters of Emergency Rule in Rivers State to avert what it described as a collapse of democracy in Nigeria.
In a letter addressed to the UN Secretary General and signed by its Executive Director, Ali Mohammed Ali, the group accused the Nigerian government of enabling the suspension of constitutional governance in the oil-rich state. It warned that Nigeria’s democracy is “on the red line” and risks total collapse without swift international action.
The group’s petition follows the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, following the replacement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara with a sole administrator, and, according to the group, “without due process.”
“What we are witnessing in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers State, is a complete deviation from the democratic process,” the group stated. “The international community must not look away while constitutional order is being dismantled with the silent backing of federal authorities.”
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Describing the crisis as a civilian coup, the group alleged that the installation of Ibok-Eket Ibas as a sole administrator amounted to military rule in civilian clothing.
“It is deeply troubling that while terrorists and bandits continue to terrorise communities across several states without a single declaration of emergency rule, the Federal Government has effectively imposed military rule in Rivers State over a political disagreement,” the group said.
Save Democracy Vanguard condemned what it called the undermining of the people’s will, stressing that the state’s elected leadership had been pushed aside in favour of autocratic governance. The group said such actions set a dangerous precedent capable of destabilising the entire country.
“A state that voted for its leaders now finds itself under the grip of a single individual with no mandate. This is a tragedy for democracy in Africa’s most populous nation,” it stated.
The crisis has sparked protests, particularly among women in Rivers State, who have taken to the streets demanding the reinstatement of Governor Fubara and the restoration of democratic governance.
“Our mothers, sisters, and daughters in Rivers are not just defending Fubara; they are defending the principle that power belongs to the people,” the group said.
The economic toll of the crisis, according to the group, has also been significant, with businesses shutting down, workers fleeing, and investor confidence plummeting.
“No investor wants to operate in a state where the rule of law is suspended, and the constitution is optional,” the group warned.
Concluding its appeal, Save Democracy Vanguard called on the UN and other global pro-democracy bodies to act swiftly.
“Nigeria’s democracy is bleeding; Rivers is the latest victim. If nothing is done, this Rivers experiment will spread to other states, and the country may collapse into anarchy. The people have done their part—now the international community must not fail them,” the group said.
