{"id":156740,"date":"2025-03-25T22:11:42","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T21:11:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/nigeria\/uncategorized\/rivers-suspension-of-elected-officials-without-due-process-violation-of-democratic-norms-anpe-tells-tinubu"},"modified":"2025-04-04T13:21:52","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T12:21:52","slug":"rivers-suspension-of-elected-officials-without-due-process-violation-of-democratic-norms-anpe-tells-tinubu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/nigeria\/policy\/rivers-suspension-of-elected-officials-without-due-process-violation-of-democratic-norms-anpe-tells-tinubu","title":{"rendered":"Rivers: Suspension of elected officials without due process violation of democratic norms \u2014 ANPE tells Tinubu"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Nigeria. <\/strong><\/span>The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe, ANPE, has strongly condemned the recent imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the decision and restore democratic governance.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday, 18 March 2025, President Tinubu, invoking Section 305 of the Constitution, declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing a prolonged political crisis and the vandalism of oil facilities.<\/p>\n

As part of the declaration, the president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly for six months. He also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state\u2019s sole administrator.<\/p>\n

Two days later, both the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified Tinubu\u2019s request for emergency rule through a voice vote, a move that has sparked widespread debate.<\/p>\n

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its global president, Solomon Ola, ANPE expressed deep concern over the suspension of Governor Fubara and other elected officials, describing the move as unconstitutional and damaging to Nigeria\u2019s democratic reputation. The group warned that such actions could undermine investor confidence and further destabilise the nation\u2019s fragile economy.<\/p>\n

ANPE argued that the imposition of emergency rule represents a dangerous shift towards authoritarianism, eroding the principles of federalism and due process enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. The group lamented that Nigeria, once considered a beacon of democracy in Africa, now faces increasing criticism from the international community.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe suspension of elected officials without due process is a clear violation of democratic norms,\u201d the statement read. \u201cNigeria\u2019s reputation as a stable investment destination is at stake. This arbitrary disregard for constitutional procedures erodes trust in the nation\u2019s commitment to democracy and discourages potential investors.\u201d<\/p>\n

The group further stressed that the Nigerian Constitution outlines specific processes for addressing grievances against elected officials\u2014none of which includes the unilateral imposition of a state of emergency by the federal government.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy ignoring these legal provisions, the president has not only set a dangerous precedent but also signalled a disregard for the principles of federalism,\u201d ANPE stated. \u201cThis authoritarian move has drawn condemnation from international observers, further damaging Nigeria\u2019s standing as an investment-friendly nation.\u201d<\/p>\n

ANPE also criticised the National Assembly for failing in its duty to check executive overreach, calling on lawmakers to investigate the constitutionality of the emergency rule in Rivers State. The group urged the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and ensure that constitutional procedures are followed in resolving political crises.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is unfortunate that the National Assembly, tasked with checking executive excesses and upholding the Constitution, has instead become complicit in this blatant violation of constitutional norms,\u201d ANPE said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir support for this overreach is a disgrace to Nigerians in the diaspora. We call on lawmakers to thoroughly review this matter and take the necessary steps to safeguard Nigeria\u2019s democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n

The group further warned that political instability could have dire economic consequences, noting that foreign investors may reconsider their involvement in Nigeria due to uncertainties about the country\u2019s commitment to democratic governance.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe in the diaspora have worked tirelessly to promote Nigeria as an investment-friendly nation, but this crisis has severely undermined our efforts,\u201d ANPE lamented.<\/p>\n

While advocating for immediate reconciliation and dialogue, ANPE urged the federal government to respect state autonomy and uphold democratic institutions.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe strength of our nation lies in our unity and commitment to democracy,\u201d the group stated. \u201cPresident Tinubu must correct this anomaly to preserve Nigeria\u2019s democratic integrity and economic stability.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reaffirming its dedication to Nigeria\u2019s development, ANPE called on all Nigerians\u2014both at home and abroad\u2014to stand in defence of democracy, justice, and the rule of law.<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Nigeria<\/span> Follow Africa-Press<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Nigeria. The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe, ANPE, has strongly condemned the recent imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse the decision and restore democratic governance. On Tuesday, 18 March 2025, President Tinubu, invoking Section 305 of the Constitution, declared a state […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":156739,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,29,28,14,2660],"tags":[16553,254,421,945],"class_list":["post-156740","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-head-lines","category-homepage-english","category-policy","category-to-homepage","tag-anpe","tag-nigeria","tag-rivers","tag-tinubu"],"yoast_head":"\nRivers: Suspension of elected officials without due process violation of democratic norms \u2014 ANPE tells Tinubu - Nigeria<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Association of Nigerian Professionals in Europe, ANPE, has strongly condemned the recent imposition of a state of em ...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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