Acondemns suspension of Fubara, warns against unconstitutional takeover of Rivers

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a scathing rebuke of the recent political developments in Rivers State, describing the alleged suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of a sole administrator as a “constitutional coup” and a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, HURIWA expressed alarm over Governor Fubara’s recent remarks at a service of songs for the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, where he appeared indifferent to returning to office.

The rights group warned that such comments—however personal—must not be seen as justification for violating constitutional order.

At the event held in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Fubara was quoted saying, “Can’t you see how better I look? Do you think I am interested in it? Do you even know if I want to go back there? My spirit had already left that place long ago.” HURIWA interpreted this as an expression of frustration, not a legitimate ground for usurping an elected office.

“This is not about Governor Fubara’s personal feelings. It is about the dangerous precedent being set,” the statement read. “The President of Nigeria does not have constitutional authority to suspend an elected governor or appoint a military or sole administrator over a federating unit. What is happening in Rivers State amounts to a civilian coup against the Nigerian Constitution.”

HURIWA emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy rests on three key pillars: the rule of law, supremacy of the Constitution, and the sanctity of electoral mandates. The group reiterated that Section 180 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) outlines the tenure of governors and provides only three legal mechanisms for their removal: resignation, impeachment through the State House of Assembly, or a valid court order.

“There is no provision in the Constitution that allows the President to arbitrarily remove a governor. The current situation in Rivers is not only unlawful but a mockery of constitutional democracy,” the group declared.

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The statement also addressed the misinterpretation of Section 11(4) of the Constitution, clarifying that even in times of breakdown of law and order, the National Assembly may legislate for peace but cannot suspend a governor or hand governance to an unelected individual.

“It is an abuse of power for the federal government to impose a sole administrator without a formal declaration of a state of emergency approved by the National Assembly, as required under Section 305,” HURIWA stated. “Even then, the law does not empower the President to replace an elected governor with a retired naval officer or anyone else.

HURIWA urged Nigerians to rise above political affiliations and defend the integrity of democratic institutions. The Association argued that Governor Fubara’s personal disenchantment cannot override the mandate of the people of Rivers State, who freely elected him.

“The electoral mandate belongs to the people—not to any individual, and certainly not to the whims of the executive arm of the federal government,” the statement added. “If we allow this unconstitutional experiment in Rivers to stand, it will set a dangerous template that could be replicated in any other state.”

The group further warned that tolerating such breaches would erode democracy and potentially turn Nigeria into a pseudo-military state ruled by central authority rather than the Constitution.

“Today it’s Rivers State. Tomorrow, any other state where political tension exists could be targeted. What then is the essence of holding elections, if their outcomes can be invalidated by presidential fiat?” HURIWA queried.

Calling on the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, to rise in defense of democratic order, the Association urged them to resist any creeping authoritarianism. It also charged the judiciary to reject any complicity in rubber-stamping unconstitutional actions.

“The silence of political leaders and institutions in the face of this breach is dangerous. Democracy does not only die by force; it dies in silence when those who should speak remain mute,” the group warned.

Concluding the statement, HURIWA reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s democratic framework and the Constitution, irrespective of political personalities involved.