Hundreds of public interest lawyers (PIL) have canvassed the support of the United States of America over the decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The lawyers, who marched peacefully to the American embassy on Friday in Abuja, maintained that under section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, the president has discretionary powers to proclaim a state of emergency if public safety and public order are in danger.

Led by Mr. Beeior Orpin, the lawyers, who submitted their petition to the Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria (USA), argued that President Tinubu had to wade in because Rivers State, under the suspended governor Siminilayi Fubara, was verging on anarchy because he demolished the legislative arm of government and became a total tyrant.

They further referred to the damning judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which described him as a despot.

They remarked that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy like the United States of America, which subscribes to the same democratic principles and ethos as the United States.

Stating that President Tinubu deserves the support of the USA, they noted: “Lives and property were in grave danger in Rivers State before the president’s intervention. Since then, calm has returned, and the process of enduring peace and law and order is in progress.

“We thank the president for his timely action and request that the United States, as the bastion of democracy, support him to entrench law and order in our country.”