“Coup against the people ‘—CHRICED condemns Tinubu emergency rule in Rivers state

By Abubakar Yunusa

A prominent Nigerian civil society organisation, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), has fiercely criticised President Bola Tinubu’s imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labelling it a “coup against the people.”

In a strongly worded statement, CHRICED denounced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State Assembly, arguing that the move contravenes Nigeria’s constitution.

The group also condemned the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as sole administrator, calling it an unconstitutional overreach.

According to CHRICED, while the Nigerian constitution permits the declaration of a state of emergency under specific circumstances, it does not authorise the suspension of elected officials.

The organisation stressed that the proper legal mechanism for removing a governor is through the impeachment process outlined in the constitution.

The group accused President Tinubu of displaying bias in favour of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, whom they allege has been a key figure in destabilising the state.

“By suspending all elected officials while retaining Wike—a principal architect of the conflict—in his federal role, President Tinubu has exposed the partisan nature of his actions,” CHRICED stated.

CHRICED further raised concerns over what it described as a pattern of political interference in states governed by opposition parties, pointing to similar tensions in Kano State as an example.

Calling for urgent action, the organisation demanded the immediate reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State and urged President Tinubu to sack Wike from his ministerial post. It also called for a “comprehensive investigation” into Wike’s alleged role in the ongoing crisis.

Quoting a Quranic injunction, CHRICED reminded the President to “be strict in observing justice.”

Executive Director Zikirullahi Ibrahim reiterated the group’s stance, saying, “As a leading advocate for justice and the rule of law, CHRICED condemns the state of emergency in Rivers State as a political coup against the electorate.”