The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an unconstitutional overreach that threatens Nigeria’s democracy.

In a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, the coalition of civil society organizations rejected the removal of the elected governor, deputy governor, and suspension of the State House of Assembly, arguing that the president’s actions violate the 1999 Constitution.

“The President’s reliance on Section 305 of the Constitution to justify this move is a blatant misinterpretation of the law. While a state of emergency may be declared under specific and extreme circumstances, it does not give the president the power to sack elected officials or dissolve legislative bodies,” the statement read.

The Situation Room said that the political crisis in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional criteria for emergency rule, such as war, external aggression, or a total breakdown of law and order. The group also pointed out that the Supreme Court had ruled on the matter, reinforcing the constitutional limits on executive powers.

Calling on the National Assembly to reject Tinubu’s proclamation, the group urged lawmakers to uphold democratic principles by ensuring the president’s decision does not stand.

“We demand that voting on this emergency declaration be conducted transparently, with each vote televised nationally. The Constitution requires a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate for the declaration to be valid,” the statement added.

The Situation Room also called on the judiciary to check what it described as “executive excesses and rascality,” urging the courts to assert their independence and prevent a dangerous precedent. Additionally, it appealed to the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union, and ECOWAS, to intervene and pressure the Nigerian government to reverse its decision.

“Democracy thrives on respect for the rule of law and the will of the people. This unconstitutional move must be resisted,” the group declared.

Yunusa Zakari, on behalf of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to defending democratic governance in Nigeria.