A Nigerian civil society group, Save Democracy Vanguard, has written to the United Nations over the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This was contained in a letter by Ali Mohammed Ali, Executive Director of the group, addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General and signed, describing the situation in Rivers as a national emergency and accusing the federal government of allowing the illegal suspension of democracy in Nigeria’s oil-rich state.
The group warned that the country’s democracy is “on the red line” and could collapse if the international community fails to act now.
“This is no longer an internal matter. What we are witnessing in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers State, is a complete deviation from the democratic process. The international community must not look away while constitutional order is being dismantled with the silent backing of the federal authorities,” the letter reads.
“A major Nigerian state has been handed over to the military in broad daylight. The installation of a sole administrator in place of elected officials and the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara without due process amount to a civilian coup and should be treated as such.
“It is deeply troubling that while terrorists and bandits continue to sack communities and murder innocent citizens across several states without the declaration of emergency rule, the federal government chose to impose what is effectively military rule in Rivers over a political disagreement between two individuals.”
The group further said that the emergency rule in Rivers State is an assault on the will of the people.
“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers is an assault on the will of the people. A state that voted for its leaders now finds itself under the grip of a single individual with no mandate. The sole administrator, Ibok-Eket Ibas, has sacked local government officials and heads of government institutions in the state, and he’s ruling by decree. This is a tragedy for democracy in Africa’s most populous nation.”
The group noted that the crisis in Rivers has triggered widespread protests, particularly among women who have taken to the streets to demand the reinstatement of Governor Fubara and the restoration of democratic rule.
“Our mothers, sisters, and daughters in Rivers are leading peaceful demonstrations daily. They are crying out for justice, for democracy, and for the return of their elected governor. They are not only defending Fubara but defending the principle that power belongs to the people,” the group added.
On the economic front, the group said the ongoing crisis has crippled the state and discouraged investment.
“Businesses are shutting down. Workers are afraid. Contractors have fled. The state’s economy is at a standstill. No investor wants to operate in a state where the rule of law is suspended and the constitution is optional.
“We are calling on the UN and all lovers of democracy to step in immediately. 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.