Reverse Fubara’s suspension – US-Based Institute tells Tinubu

The United States-based Institute of Law Research and Development (ILAWDUN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, warning that failure to do so could permanently tarnish his presidential legacy.

In a statement issued by Prof. Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, Director of ILAWDUN and Professor of International Environmental and Public International Law, the institute expressed strong concern that the suspension of the governor and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State undermine democratic values and threaten the very foundation of Nigeria’s constitutional system.

Prof. Edward-Ekpo stated, “If the Supreme Court upholds the emergency declaration and the suspension of a democratically elected state governor and legislature by another democratically elected official, it will permanently stain your legacy. You will be remembered as the President who undermined constitutional principles and legitimised illegality.”

He emphasized that a state of emergency can only be declared when there is a total breakdown of law and order that the Nigeria Police Force can no longer manage—conditions which, according to him, were not present in Rivers State at the time of the declaration.

ILAWDUN further argued that the suspension of a sitting, democratically elected governor and legislature without a constitutional basis is a dangerous act that cannot be defended under the guise of emergency powers. The institute warned that such decisions would damage President Tinubu’s reputation, painting him as a leader who disregards the rule of law.

The statement also referenced a case currently before the Supreme Court, filed by seven opposition governors, challenging the legality of the suspension. ILAWDUN cautioned that any attempt to dismiss the case on technical grounds would further erode public trust in both the judiciary and the presidency.

“The Supreme Court Justices cannot, in good conscience, sustain such an obvious constitutional violation. Should the Court resort to dismissing the case on technical grounds or employ orchestrated tactics, it will be perceived as judicial compromise under your influence, further eroding public trust in both the judiciary and your administration,” Prof. Edward-Ekpo warned.

The institute urged President Tinubu to take swift action, reverse the suspension, and publicly recommit to democratic governance, stressing that the future of Nigeria’s democratic institutions hangs in the balance.