The emergency rule in Rivers State is an aberration – COPDEM

The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), has said if the current emergency rule in Rivers State is left unchallenged, it could become a normal thing in Nigeria.
The pro-democracy organization said this during a world press conference held in Abuja on Tuesday, 6 of May, 2025.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing growing political instability and rising security concerns.

As part of the emergency measures, the Mr. Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
He appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) to manage the affairs of the State, a decision which is still being criticized by concerned stakeholders.
However, COPDEM while addressing the state of the nation, said that the situation in Rivers is a prototype of martial law disguised as civilian administration and if left unchallenged, it will become the new normal across Nigeria.
The group said: “Nowhere is this democratic collapse more visible than in Rivers State — where constitutional order has been thrown into the dustbin.
“A silenced House of Assembly, a crippled local government system, and a militarized approach to governance now define what used to be one of Nigeria’s most politically active states.
“The situation in Rivers is a prototype of martial law disguised as civilian administration. If left unchallenged, it will become the new normal across Nigeria.”
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