Sowore Calls For State Of Emergency On Tinubu Regime Over Rivers Crisis, Declares ‘Time To Act Is Now’
Sowore, in a statement via his verified X account on Tuesday warned Nigerians that the time to act was now, linking his call to Tinubu’s recent decision regarding Rivers State.
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has called for a state of emergency to be declared on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
Sowore, in a statement via his verified X account on Tuesday warned Nigerians that the time to act was now, linking his call to Tinubu’s recent decision regarding Rivers State.
SaharaReporters had earlier on Tuesday reported that president Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
Tinubu cited security concerns and the failure to rebuild the state’s demolished House of Assembly as reasons for his decision.
Sowore, reacting to this development, stated, “A state of emergency should be declared on the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime, and Nigerians must recognise that the time for such action is now.”
He further criticised Tinubu’s approach, drawing a parallel with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. “Like Obasanjo, like Tinubu using ‘state of emergency’ to pacify his criminals,” Sowore declared.
During his broadcast, Tinubu justified his decision, saying, “The governor of Rivers State demolished the House of Assembly but has failed to rebuild the building till date.”
He added, “Many Nigerians have intervened and leaders of thought have intervened all to no avail.”
According to Tinubu, security reports showed ongoing vandalism of oil pipelines in Rivers State, which he claimed the governor had not addressed.
He stated, “The Supreme Court pronounced in very glaring terms that a government cannot run without an arm of government.”
Quoting the Nigerian constitution, Tinubu said, “Based on Section 305 of the constitution of the country, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”
Sowore’s statement reflects growing concerns among opposition figures and activists over Tinubu’s use of executive powers. Many have warned that such decisions set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
BREAKING: Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers State; Suspends Governor Fubara, Deputy, Assembly Lawmakers
Mar 18, 2025
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BREAKING: Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers State; Suspends Governor Fubara, Deputy, Assembly Lawmakers
Background
The crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly stems from a deep political rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The conflict began shortly after Fubara took office in May 2023, despite Wike’s instrumental role in securing his election victory under the platform of the PDP.
Political Fallout
Tensions between Fubara and Wike emerged when Fubara began consolidating power and asserting independence from Wike’s political influence. This reportedly angered Wike, who had expected to maintain significant control over the state’s political structure even after leaving office.
Defection Of 27 Lawmakers
In December 2023, the conflict escalated when 27 lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly, who were loyal to Wike, defected from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers cited internal party disputes and loss of confidence in the PDP leadership as reasons for their defection. Their departure left Fubara with minimal legislative support, threatening his ability to govern effectively.
Attempted Impeachment And Political Tensions
Before the defection, the assembly, dominated by pro-Wike lawmakers, had initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara in October 2023. Fubara responded by attempting to dissolve the assembly, leading to a physical confrontation and the burning of the state assembly complex.
