Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, Director-General of the Institute of Law Research and Development of the United Nations (ILAWDUN), has strongly urged Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to reverse the state of emergency imposed in Rivers State, warning that the action could have dire consequences for the country’s democracy and global standing. Edward-Ekpo, a professor of international environmental law, raised concerns over the legality and long-term impact of the emergency rule, which he believes undermines democratic values and tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation.
On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the escalating political crisis and rampant vandalism of oil facilities. This move came after prolonged unrest in the region, which had seen political instability, violence, and severe damage to vital infrastructure. As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the elected governor of Rivers, along with his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state house of assembly for six months. The president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator of the state, replacing the existing political structure.
On March 20, the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives ratified the declaration, sparking controversy across the country. Critics argue that the legislative approval was rushed and lacked proper scrutiny, with some claiming that the decision was made without the required two-thirds majority as outlined in Nigeria’s constitution.
Edward-Ekpo, in a letter addressed to President Tinubu on March 28, warned that the state of emergency in Rivers represented more than just a political dispute—it posed a fundamental challenge to Nigeria’s democratic principles. He explained that the emergency measures threatened the stability of the nation’s democratic institutions, which have been hard-won over decades of struggle.
Edward-Ekpo, who initially considered taking the matter to Nigeria’s Supreme Court, ultimately refrained from doing so, citing concerns about the independence of the judiciary. In his letter, the law expert referred to the growing skepticism surrounding the Nigerian judicial system and the perceived erosion of trust in the courts. He suggested that many Nigerians no longer viewed the judiciary as an impartial institution, which only exacerbated the sense of injustice surrounding the emergency rule.
“I had intended to approach the Supreme Court with this matter, but I reconsidered given the widespread perception that Nigeria’s judiciary suffers from a crisis of confidence,” Edward-Ekpo wrote. “Many have lost faith in the court’s integrity, moral standing, and intellectual credibility.”
The professor warned that the emergency rule could have damaging implications for President Tinubu’s legacy as a pro-democracy leader, reminding the president of his history as a staunch advocate for democratic principles. Edward-Ekpo recalled Tinubu’s earlier years, when he was widely recognized for his leadership in the pro-democracy movement, especially during Nigeria’s military regimes.
“Mr. President, just a few days ago, a reputable individual was denied the opportunity to rent an office space in Washington, DC, simply because he was Nigerian—on the premise that Nigerians cannot be trusted,” Edward-Ekpo lamented. “These are not isolated incidents. Nigerians frequently face visa denials, cancellations, and unwarranted suspicion in the global market. Beyond concerns about fraud, Nigeria’s greatest reputational burden is its judiciary.”
Edward-Ekpo’s concerns are rooted in the legalities surrounding the suspension of an elected governor and the imposition of an emergency rule in a state where the governor was duly elected by the people. The professor argued that Tinubu did not have the constitutional authority to suspend the governor of Rivers State, noting that such a decision goes against democratic principles and the rule of law. He asserted that the action taken by the president could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations, potentially leading to further erosion of democratic institutions.
“The responsibility for this situation lies with the attorney-general of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi,” Edward-Ekpo said. “As the chief law officer, it is his duty to provide sound legal guidance and ensure that decisions align with the constitution. Unfortunately, he has failed in this duty.”
The professor also criticized the Nigerian National Assembly for ratifying the emergency rule without the required two-thirds majority, which is stipulated by the Nigerian constitution. Edward-Ekpo referred to the approval as an example of legislative overreach, questioning the legitimacy of the process.
“What arcane magic did the national assembly conjure to achieve a two-thirds majority?” he questioned.
Edward-Ekpo’s criticisms were not only limited to the legal aspects of the emergency rule but also extended to the broader implications for the country’s democratic fabric. He warned that continued actions like these would reinforce the perception that Nigeria’s democracy is fragile and easily manipulated.
The professor further emphasized the potential damage to Nigeria’s international standing, particularly in light of the country’s growing struggles to overcome global stereotypes and negative perceptions. He described how Nigerians frequently face discrimination and suspicion abroad, with visa denials and canceled contracts becoming all too common. Edward-Ekpo pointed to the actions taken by the Tinubu administration as exacerbating this global distrust, which could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s relations with other nations.
“The image of Nigeria and its citizens is already tainted by global stereotypes. Actions like these only deepen the negative perception of Nigeria, contributing to the constant visa denials and cancellations Nigerians face across the world,” he said. “If this trend continues, Nigeria’s international relations will suffer greatly, and the damage could be irreparable.”
In closing, Edward-Ekpo called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse the state of emergency in Rivers State and restore Governor Siminalayi Fubara to his rightful position. He emphasized that the reversal of the emergency rule was critical to restoring Nigeria’s democratic integrity and ensuring the nation’s international credibility remained intact.
“Mr. President, I urge you to reconsider this decision, reverse the emergency rule, and restore Governor Fubara to office,” Edward-Ekpo wrote. “This is not just a matter of legal technicalities—it is about preserving Nigeria’s democracy, its international standing, and your legacy as a defender of the rule of law.”
As Nigeria continues to grapple with its democratic challenges, Edward-Ekpo’s plea serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that must be maintained between governance, the rule of law, and the country’s international reputation. Only time will tell if President Tinubu will heed this call and reconsider his stance on the Rivers State emergency rule.
