A civic coalition, Citizens’ Action for Democratic Restoration (CADR), has demanded an immediate end to emergency rule in Rivers State, warning that the federal government’s actions have derailed constitutional governance and worsened unrest in the oil-rich region.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Saturday, CADR’s national president, Dr. Maryleen Ebere Okoro, condemned the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole state administrator, saying it undermines democratic norms.
“The emergency rule may have been declared with good intentions, but the imposition of a sole administrator who has suspended democratic structures, defied court orders, and intimidated peaceful protesters has transformed what was intervention into outright occupation,” Okoro stated.
The group criticised the continued suspension of democratic institutions and unilateral governance without legislative or legal backing.
CADR highlighted several troubling developments since the emergency declaration on March 18, including the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly, the mass dismissal of political appointees and state executives; the appointment of local government administrators in violation of existing court ruling; aggressive crackdowns on protests, especially those led by women demanding a return to civilian rule
Read Also: Nigerian Pastor rearrested in South Africa weeks after acquittal
CADR urged the federal government to restore constitutional order and respect the will of the people, warning that prolonged emergency rule risks deepening instability and public resentment.
“Local councils are being filled with handpicked loyalists. Rivers State has become a dictatorship under federal cover, and Nigerians are watching in disbelief.”
Speaking further, Dr. Okoro noted that attempts to intimidate protesters only betray the government’s loss of moral authority.
“When women carrying placards are tear-gassed, it is no longer about peacekeeping. It becomes state-sponsored repression. We cannot build unity on the foundation of fear.”
According to the group, a proper stakeholder dialogue, including traditional rulers, civil society, and elected representatives, could have resolved the conflict without undermining constitutional democracy.
The group warned that allowing Ibas to continue in office under emergency powers risks setting a dangerous precedent.
“The situation in Rivers is not democratic, and so we urge President Tinubu to immediately rescind the emergency order, reinstate Fubara, and initiate a peace-building process anchored in constitutional law.
“Our message is clear. The administrator must go. The emergency rule must end. Nigerians did not die for democracy only to be ruled by decree again. Enough is enough,” she declared.