Civic Group Demands End to Emergency Rule in Rivers, Accuses FG of Undermining Democracy

A civic coalition, Citizens’ Action for Democratic Restoration (CADR), has called for the immediate termination of emergency rule in Rivers State, warning that the Federal Government’s intervention has eroded constitutional order and intensified unrest in the oil-rich state.

The group, led by its National President, Dr. Maryleen Ebere Okoro, condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator of the state, describing the move as a “reckless overreach” that has worsened the crisis and suppressed the will of the people.

In a strongly worded statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday, CADR faulted the administrator’s continued suspension of democratic institutions and his imposition of unilateral rule, which the group said lacks both legal and legislative backing.

“President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers may have been driven by a desire to stabilise the state, but the appointment of a sole administrator who has suspended state structures, defied court rulings, and threatened peaceful protesters has ruined any good intention that may have existed. This is no longer intervention — it is occupation,” Dr. Okoro stated.

CADR highlighted several alarming developments since the March 18 emergency declaration, including:

• The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
• The mass dismissal of political appointees and state executives.
• The appointment of local government administrators in defiance of existing court orders.
• Repeated crackdowns on civil protests, particularly those led by women demanding a return to civilian rule.

“Vice Admiral Ibas has dismantled the democratic scaffolding of Rivers State. Local councils are being filled with handpicked loyalists. Rivers State has become a dictatorship under federal cover, and Nigerians are watching in disbelief,” the statement read.

Dr. Okoro further condemned the reported use of force against peaceful demonstrators, noting that the government’s approach has shifted from peacekeeping to repression.

“When women carrying placards are tear-gassed, it is no longer about restoring order. It becomes state-sponsored repression. We cannot build unity on the foundation of fear,” she said.

The group also criticised President Tinubu’s silence amid growing backlash from civil rights groups, legal experts, and concerned citizens.

According to CADR, a stakeholder dialogue involving traditional leaders, civil society actors, and elected officials could have resolved the conflict without undermining constitutional governance.

“If the President truly sought peace, he would have convened all relevant actors in Rivers State to mediate a path forward. Instead, he chose the path of imposition and exclusion. That decision is now backfiring and threatening national unity,” Dr. Okoro asserted.

CADR warned that allowing Vice Admiral Ibas to continue in office under emergency powers risks setting a dangerous national precedent.

“Today it is Rivers. Tomorrow, it could be any state where political disagreements exist. If one man can replace an entire government by federal decree, then our democracy is in grave danger,” she said.

The group called on President Tinubu to immediately rescind the emergency declaration, reinstate Governor Fubara, and launch a peacebuilding process rooted in constitutional law.

“Our message is clear: the administrator must go. The emergency rule must end. Nigerians did not die for democracy only to be ruled by decree again. Enough is enough,” Dr. Okoro declared.

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