A coalition of youth groups from Rivers State has urged President Bola Tinubu to restore Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials who were recently suspended from office. As Nigeria prepares to mark Democracy Day on June 12, the groups say the current situation in Rivers State undermines the nation’s democratic values.
The call was made in a joint statement released in Port Harcourt and signed by Imeabe Oscar, the National President of the South-South Youths Initiative. He also serves as the Chairman of the Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies. According to Oscar, the president’s decision to suspend Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and several lawmakers is not only unconstitutional but also dangerous for the country’s democracy.
The statement reads in part, “As we commemorate Democracy Day on June 12, we reflect on the significance of democratic governance and the rule of law in our nation”.
“However, recent events in Rivers State have raised concerns about the health of our democracy.
“The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu’s administration has dent our democratic process said to be practiced in Nigeria.
“We urge President Tinubu to prioritise the restoration of democratic order in Rivers State by reinstating the suspended elected official.”
He continued, “The Nigerian Constitution outlines impeachment by the State Hous!e of Assembly as the sole legitimate process for removing a governor, making this suspension unconstitutional”.
The youth groups expressed concern over what they described as the erosion of democratic values in Rivers State, noting that the crisis has attracted international attention and could destabilize Nigeria’s fragile democratic structure.
“The suspension of elected officials sets a dangerous precedent, threatening the autonomy of states and the will of the people.
“The president’s actions have been described as reckless, unconstitutional, and an affront to Nigeria’s democracy.
“The crisis in Rivers State has drawn international attention, with concerns about implications for Nigeria’s democratic stability”.
The groups therefore demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended officials and called on all Nigerians to defend the principles of democracy, federalism, and the rule of law.
The statement further reads, “We call on the federal government to respect the democratic process and reinstate Governor Fubara and the suspended lawmakers.
“We also urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend our democracy against any form of manipulation or erosion.
“As we planned to celebrate Democracy Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy, federalism, and the rule of law.
“We must work together to ensure that our democratic institutions are strengthened, not weakened”.