The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The organisation alleged that the move is part of a broader strategy by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken opposition-led states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, in a statement on Thursday, described the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly as an unconstitutional power grab aimed at consolidating APC’s control in opposition strongholds before the next election cycle.
According to Zikirullahi, the APC-led federal government has consistently interfered in opposition-controlled states as part of a long-term electoral strategy.
He warned that Rivers State is only the latest target in a pattern of political destabilisation designed to undermine the opposition’s chances in 2027.
He further pointed to the ongoing crisis in Kano State, where he accused federal agencies of backing the reinstatement of ousted Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to weaken the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)-led administration.
Zikirullahi said: “CHRICED emphasizes that the situation in Rivers State is not an isolated incident but rather part of a larger trend of political interference in states governed by opposition parties.
“The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has persistently aimed to destabilize key opposition-led states as a strategy to regain control in upcoming elections. A notable instance is Kano State, where federal agencies, including law enforcement, have interfered in the emirate conflict to weaken the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) administration.
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“The ongoing emirate crisis in Kano stems directly from federal support for the ousted Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, despite the state government’s constitutional jurisdiction over traditional institutions. By utilizing the police and judiciary against opposition-led states, the APC-led federal government is undermining democratic principles. This troubling development casts significant doubt on President Tinubu’s reputation as a purported defender of democracy.”
The group also accused the President of using federal power to protect his political allies while punishing elected opposition leaders.
Zikirullahi further accused former Rivers Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of orchestrating instability to retain political influence.
While demanding an immediate reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State, he called for Wike’s removal from his ministerial position.
According to Zikirullahi, failure to act would further erode Nigeria’s democratic institutions and lead to prolonged political instability in the Niger Delta, with serious economic consequences.
“President Tinubu must demonstrate true leadership in addressing the political crisis in Rivers State. In his proclamation speech, he acknowledged that his attempts at mediation were disregarded. However, if accountability is to be enforced for all parties involved, it raises the question of why Wike has not faced consequences while Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly were suspended.
“There is no ethical basis for President Tinubu to keep Wike, a key instigator of the crisis, in his ministerial role. This selective enforcement of accountability undermines any assertion of fairness and justice.
“CHRICED calls for Wike’s immediate dismissal from his position as Minister of the Federal Republic and a comprehensive investigation into his involvement in creating political instability in Rivers State. Any sincere effort to restore order must start with holding all responsible parties accountable—not just those deemed politically vulnerable,” he added.
