Nigeria's Descent into Autocracy: Bishop Onah Warns of Doom Amid Rivers State Emergency

 

In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending the state's governor, deputy governor, and all lawmakers for six months. This unprecedented action has ignited a firestorm of debate, with many questioning the implications for democracy in Africa's most populous nation. 

The President's Declaration

Citing escalating political turmoil and a surge in pipeline vandalism, President Tinubu addressed the nation, expressing grave concerns over the deteriorating situation in Rivers State. He highlighted recent incidents where militants sabotaged critical oil infrastructure, notably a blast that resulted in a fire on the Trans Niger Pipeline, a vital conduit for the nation's oil exports. The President criticized the state's leadership for their inaction, stating, "With all these and many more, no good and responsible president will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the constitution to address the situation in the state."  

Invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency in situations threatening public order and safety, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the military administrator to oversee the state's affairs during this period.  

Political Underpinnings

The crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for months, rooted in a bitter feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This rift within the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) escalated when state lawmakers, many aligned with Wike, initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara over allegations of illegal budget presentations and contentious legislative appointments.  

The political instability, coupled with the recent surge in pipeline attacks, has severely disrupted oil production in the Niger Delta region, exacerbating economic challenges in a state crucial to Nigeria's oil-dependent economy. 

Public Outcry and Democratic Concerns

The President's decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some citizens support the move as necessary to restore order and protect vital national assets, others view it as an overreach of executive power that threatens the foundations of Nigeria's democracy. The Nigerian Bar Association criticized the suspension of elected officials as illegal, asserting that a declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve ... .  

Echoing these concerns, Bishop Godfrey Onah of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka warned of the dangers posed by leaders who act without regard for public reaction. He stated, "A nation is doomed when its leaders are no longer afraid of the reaction of the people." Bishop Onah's remarks have resonated with many Nigerians who fear that the imposition of military oversight in Rivers State sets a concerning precedent for civil liberties and democratic governance. 

Historical Context and Legal Ramifications

This declaration marks the first state of emergency in Nigeria in over a decade. The last occurrence was in 2013 under President Goodluck Jonathan, who declared emergency rule in the northeastern states of Adam ... , and Yobe during the height ... Notably, during that period, state governors were not suspended, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the current situation in Rivers State.  

Legal experts are divided on the constitutionality of the President's actions. While Section 305 allows for emergency declarations, the suspension of elected officials raises questions about federal overreach and the potential erosion of state autonomy. Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, remarked, "A declaration of emergency does ... suggesting that the current measures may overstep constitutional boundaries.  

The Road Ahead

As Rivers State transitions to military administration under Vice Admiral Ibas, the federal government has assured citizens that the judiciary will continue to function ... and efforts will be made to restore normalcy. However, the broader implications for Nigeria's democratic institutions remain uncertain. The situation in Rivers State serves as a critical test of the nation's commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. 

In these tumultuous times, Bishop Onah's cautionary words serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between authority and accountability. The unfolding events in Rivers State will undoubtedly shape Nigeria's political landscape for years to come, as citizens and leaders alike grapple with the challenges of governance, security, and democratic integrity.