Igbo global leadership calls for immediate restoration of democratic leadership in Rivers State

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By Samuel Torlumun

The Global Igbo Leaders (GIL), an assembly of leaders of recognized Igbo organizations across the globe, expresses grave concerns over the political developments in Rivers State of Nigeria. The non-political and non-religious body dedicated to the protection of democratic
values, said it stand in solidarity with the people and government of Rivers state to raise concerns about actions that threaten the foundations of constitutional governance.

In a statement made available to Apex News Exclusive, co-signed by Salvation Amadi, (Secretary) and Amadiebube Mbama (Coordinator) of the group strongly condemn the reported suspension of the duly elected Governor of Rivers State and the reported installation of a sole administrator through unconstitutional means. They stated that such actions
represent a clear usurpation of democratic processes and are reminiscent of the undemocratic
takeovers that West African nations including Nigeria under President Tinubu’s ECOWAS
leadership have firmly rejected.

“The method reportedly used by the legislature —a voice vote —fails to meet the constitutional
requirement for a two-thirds majority necessary to declare a state of emergency. This flawed
process renders the action not only illegal but also dangerous in its precedent. Such a cavalier
approach to democracy undermines the very rights of the Nigerian people and invites instability.

“It is particularly disturbing that while other parts of the country —including Plateau, Benue, and
the Southwest grapple with persistent violence, insecurity, and humanitarian crises, the federal government has not declared states of emergency in those regions. The choice to single out Rivers State, are relatively stable part of the country, raises troubling questions about political motivations,
perceived regional biases, and the selective application of constitutional powers,” the group noted.

The Global Igbo Leaders therefore joins voices with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), The Nigeria
Labour Congress (NLC), Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and other civil society organizations in demanding the immediate reversal of the unconstitutional actions in Rivers State.

“The right of citizens to elect and be governed by the elected leaders
must be respected. The continued undermining of democratic institutions anywhere in Nigeria is
an affront to all Nigerians.

“As the NBA has rightly noted: “Political disagreements, legislative conflicts, or executive
legislative tensions do not constitute a justification for emergency rule. Such conflicts should be
resolved through legal and constitutional mechanisms, including the judiciary—not byexecutive
fiat.”

“We urge all stakeholders and political actors to embrace due process and wait for the next general elections if there is any
enforceillegalchangeoutsideofelectionsisadirectassaultonNigeria’sdemocracyandmustbe
elections if there is any desire to change the political leadership in Rivers State. Any attempt to enforce illegal change outside of elections is a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy and must be
rejected by all well-meaning citizens,” the stated.