The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly denounced the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, slamming the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly as unconstitutional.
In a scathing statement, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, criticized Governor Fubara for opting for a political truce with President Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike rather than pursuing legal action against what the group described as “illegal uprooting” from office.
Describing the decision as “cowardly and misguided,” HURIWA maintained that Fubara should have challenged his suspension in court instead of submitting to a political settlement.
The group also took aim at the Supreme Court, alleging it deliberately delayed hearings involving a number of opposition PDP governors and the emergency declaration, supposedly in collusion with President Tinubu to facilitate a political resolution ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We have credible intelligence indicating that the Supreme Court deliberately delayed the matter, allegedly in agreement with President Tinubu, to allow time for a political solution aimed at bolstering his 2027 re‑election agenda,” the statement read.
HURIWA condemned the state of emergency declared on March 18, 2025, calling the removal of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the State Assembly “absolutely illegal”, as no provision in the constitution permits such action.
While acknowledging that Section 305 grants the President the authority to declare emergencies, HURIWA emphasized this power “does not extend to the removal of elected officials”, which should instead follow constitutional procedures like death, resignation, impeachment, or incapacity.
The group further clarified that even if the governor and deputy governor are removed, the Speaker of the House must assume office temporarily, pending an election within three months, as stipulated by law.
It also noted that if the legislature is incapacitated, the National Assembly should temporarily assume its legislative role under Section 11(4), not dissolve it.
HURIWA described the June 27 “peace meeting” involving President Tinubu, Minister Wike, Governor Fubara, and Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule as a “charade”, asserting it aimed to mask the prior constitutional breaches.
“This so‑called reconciliation cannot override constitutional violations. It is a smokescreen to legitimize the President’s unconstitutional actions, including the imposition of a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Etteh Ibas (retd), for six months,” the association declared.
The group also pointed to a double standard in how emergency powers are applied, citing Benue State’s prolonged violence without similar measures taken, labeling it discriminatory and an infringement of Section 42(1), which guarantees equality before the law.
Finally, HURIWA warned that history will judge the Supreme Court, President Tinubu, and Governor Fubara for this “gross illegality disguised as political settlement.”
“We remain committed to defending constitutional democracy in Nigeria and reject any attempt to normalize unlawful usurpation of power under the guise of reconciliation,” the statement concluded.
