|By Adejumo Adekunle-
Accuses Tinubu of Unconstitutional Power Grab
Demands Fact-Finding Mission, Urgent Intervention
A coalition of Nigerian professionals and political figures has petitioned the African Union (AU) over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, accusing President Bola Tinubu of acting unconstitutionally by suspending Governor Siminilayi Fubara and dissolving the State House of Assembly.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to AU Commission Chairperson, Alhaji Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the coalition described the move as a violation of Nigeria’s constitution and a threat to democracy across Africa. The petition, signed by Senator Opeyemi Ola, Professor Adah George, Dr. James Oloko, and Dr. Evelyn E. Ogolime, urged the AU to take decisive action against what they termed an abuse of power.
“With President Tinubu as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is expected to be a shining example of democratic governance in Africa. Unfortunately, his actions have fallen woefully short of this expectation,” the coalition stated.
The petitioners argued that Section 305 of the Constitution, which Tinubu cited to justify his action, does not grant him the authority to suspend or remove elected officials. “The Constitution is clear on the grounds for removing a governor, as explicitly stated in Section 188. The President’s action is a blatant disregard for the Constitution and the democratic process,” the letter read.
The coalition warned that the president’s move set a dangerous precedent for undermining democratic institutions across Africa. They called on the AU to intervene swiftly, stressing that the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State threatens Nigeria’s federal structure and could trigger widespread unrest.
“We urge you to prevail upon President Tinubu to immediately lift the State of Emergency in Rivers State and restore the democratically elected government. We also request that the AU Commission send a fact-finding mission to investigate the circumstances surrounding this unconstitutional action,” the petition added.
The group emphasized that Nigeria, as a member of the AU, must uphold democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law, urging the commission to take concrete steps to safeguard democracy in the region.
