A coalition of 21 civil society organizations under the auspices of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), hassupported President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025..
Endorsing the president’s emergency rule declaration, which has received the nod of the National Assembly, the CCLCA declared that President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State was guided by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, National Coordinator of the group, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, emphasized that Tinubu’s decision reflects a sober and constitutional response to a pressing political situation that demanded immediate intervention for the restoration of order, peace, and effective governance.
“Today, the coalition of civil society organizations, committed to advocating for good governance and credible leadership, convened to express our support for the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
“As a civil right coalition, we stand in affirmation of the recent actions taken by President Tinubu, as well as the resolutions passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives concerning the state of emergency in Rivers State.
“The prolonged political turmoil between the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State has led to a governance crisis that requires immediate and decisive action.
“We commend President Tinubu for his bold declaration of a state of emergency aimed at restoring order and ensuring effective governance,” he said.
Justifying the president’s action, Dr. Gabriel explained that he (Tinubu) acted within his constitutional rights and obligations, adding that Section 305 of the constitution allows for the declaration of a state of emergency in situations where the government is unable to maintain order or ensure good governance.
“The chaotic political environment in Rivers State necessitated such an extraordinary measure”, he asserted.
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According to him, the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is a necessary step to facilitate this process.
The group also supported the Senate’s resolution to invoke Section 11 of Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution, empowering the National Assembly to establish a Joint Advisory Committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State during the period of emergency rule.
The CCLCA national coordinator said the oversight by the Senate, is crucial for ensuring that the interests of the citizens of Rivers State are maintained and that stability is restored.
“We also welcome the Senate’s suggestion to form a committee of eminent Nigerians tasked with reconciling the conflicting parties within the government of Rivers State.
“Such an initiative is essential not only for immediate resolution of the ongoing crisis, but also for fostering a more collaborative and effective governance structure in the future.
“The House of Representatives’ affirmation of the state of emergency further reinforces the consensus on the need for urgent intervention.
“We believe that these measures are in the best interest of the people of Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.
Dr. Gabriel however, urged all stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful and productive resolution of the crisis, saying it’s only through collective action and dialogue that we can restore hope and trust in governance.
