In a letter addressed to U.S. President Donald Trump, a group of legal practitioners under the banner of Lawyers in Defence of Democracy called for his intervention in urging the Nigerian government to restore democratic rule in Rivers State. The group staged a protest on Wednesday, April 30, demanding the reinstatement of democratic governance in the state.
They appealed to the United States and the broader international community to pressure the Nigerian Federal Government to reverse its suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to the group, this suspension represents a blatant attempt to undermine constitutional governance.
Led by their Country Director, Barrister Uche Chukwu Udeh Sylvester, the lawyers criticized the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, labeling the move unconstitutional. They urged the President to reconsider his decision and allow Governor Fubara, a democratically elected leader, to continue his duties.
The letter stated, in part:
“This is the kind of action one would expect during the era of military rule, not under a constitutional democracy like ours, which operates a presidential system of government. President Bola Tinubu should not have taken such a drastic step. Democracy is a process of continuous learning, and our judiciary has consistently shown its capacity to resolve disputes.”
“The President ought to have allowed the appropriate state institutions to address the situation. It’s worth noting that a similar crisis involving local government administration recently occurred in Osun State, yet it did not lead to the declaration of a state of emergency.”
“At a time when democratic principles should prevail and deliver benefits to the people, we find ourselves at a troubling crossroads—a sobering moment where constitutional order is being tested in the most brazen manner.”
The lawyers also criticized the National Assembly for endorsing the President’s decision, calling it a grave assault on democracy.