ABUJA — A leading U.S.-based think tank has issued a stark warning to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to immediately reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and calling the move a dangerous affront to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, the Institute of Law Research & Development (ILAWDUN) cautioned that the president’s decision, if left uncorrected, could inflict lasting damage on his legacy and set a troubling precedent for future administrations.
Signed by Professor Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, Director of ILAWDUN and an expert in International Environmental and Public Law, the statement condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as “unwarranted” and “constitutionally indefensible.”
“A state of emergency can only be justified when there is a genuine breakdown of law and order that overwhelms the Nigeria Police Force — conditions that were not present in Rivers State,” the statement read.
ILAWDUN described the suspension of a democratically elected governor and legislature by another elected leader as an “unconstitutional overreach” that directly undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The institute further warned that if the Supreme Court of Nigeria were to uphold what it described as a “clear constitutional violation,” it would not only cement an illegal precedent but also cast a long shadow over President Tinubu’s leadership.
“You will be remembered as the President who legitimised illegality and dismantled constitutional principles,” Professor Edward-Ekpo stated.
Currently, the apex court is reviewing a suit filed by seven opposition governors, challenging the legality of the suspension and the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State.
ILAWDUN expressed concern that any decision by the Supreme Court to sidestep the substance of the case—such as a dismissal on procedural technicalities—would be viewed as a blow to public trust in both the judiciary and the presidency.
“The Justices cannot, in good conscience, uphold this abuse of executive power. To do so would be seen as judicial compromise and erode confidence in the Court’s independence,” the statement warned.
The think tank concluded by urging President Tinubu to act swiftly to reverse the suspension, arguing that doing so would demonstrate his commitment to democratic norms and help preserve the institutional integrity of Nigeria’s political system.
“The future of Nigeria’s democracy is at stake. President Tinubu must choose legacy over expediency,” Edward-Ekpo concluded.
