ILAWDUN further expressed concern over ongoing proceedings at the Supreme Court, where seven opposition governors have challenged the legality of Governor Fubara’s suspension. The institute urged the judiciary to uphold the constitution, warning that any dismissal of the case on mere technicalities or the use of legal gymnastics would reflect negatively on both the Court and the Tinubu administration.
Abuja, Nigeria – The United States-based Institute of Law Research and Development (ILAWDUN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, warning that the action could severely damage his democratic legacy and the nation’s constitutional integrity.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday and signed by the institute’s Director, Professor Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, a Professor of International Environmental and Public International Law, the institute said the suspension of a democratically elected governor and legislature—reportedly followed by a declaration of a state of emergency—was not only unconstitutional but dangerous for Nigeria’s democratic future.
According to ILAWDUN, invoking a state of emergency in Rivers State was unjustified, as there was no genuine breakdown of law and order that overwhelmed the Nigeria Police Force—a prerequisite for such a declaration under the constitution. The group stressed that the developments in Rivers State did not meet the constitutional threshold required for a federal intervention of that nature.
The law institute emphasized that if the Supreme Court endorses the suspension and the emergency declaration, it could set a troubling precedent that might haunt the country’s democracy for years to come. “You will be remembered as the President who undermined constitutional principles and legitimised illegality,” the statement cautioned President Tinubu.
It also warned that Tinubu’s legacy could be permanently stained if the controversial decision is allowed to stand. “Such actions,” the institute noted, “would portray the president as a leader who disregards the rule of law and tramples on democratic norms.”
ILAWDUN further expressed concern over ongoing proceedings at the Supreme Court, where seven opposition governors have challenged the legality of Governor Fubara’s suspension. The institute urged the judiciary to uphold the constitution, warning that any dismissal of the case on mere technicalities or the use of legal gymnastics would reflect negatively on both the Court and the Tinubu administration.
“The Supreme Court Justices cannot, in good conscience, sustain such an obvious constitutional violation,” Edward-Ekpo said. “If the case is dismissed on technical grounds or influenced by orchestrated tactics, it will be seen as a compromise of the judiciary under executive pressure, thereby eroding public trust.”
Reiterating its call for immediate action, the institute urged President Tinubu to reverse the suspension and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to democratic principles. It stressed that failing to do so would not only damage his personal legacy but also endanger the foundations of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
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