A coalition of youth groups in Rivers State has called on President Bola Tinubu to restore democratic governance in the state and reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara ahead of the Democracy Day on June 12.
The coalition under the aegis of the South-South Youths Initiative and the Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies said the suspension of Fubara represents a direct threat to the constitutional order and endangers the foundations of democracy in the country.
The call was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, signed by Imeabe Oscar, National President of the South-South Youths Initiative who doubles as Chairman of the Coalition of Rivers State Youth Bodies and sent to newsmen.
Oscar described the president’s actions as “reckless, unconstitutional, and an affront to Nigeria’s democracy.”
The statement reads in part, “As we commemorate Democracy Day on June 12, we reflect on the significance of democratic governance and the rule of law in our nation”.
“However, recent events in Rivers State have raised concerns about the health of our democracy.
The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu’s administration has dented our democratic process said to be practiced in Nigeria.
We urge President Tinubu to prioritise the restoration of democratic order in Rivers State by reinstating the suspended elected official.”
He continued, “The Nigerian Constitution outlines impeachment by the State Hous!e of Assembly as the sole legitimate process for removing a governor, making this suspension unconstitutional”.
The youth groups expressed concern over what they described as the erosion of democratic values in Rivers State, noting that the crisis has attracted international attention and could destabilize Nigeria’s fragile democratic structure.
“The suspension of elected officials sets a dangerous precedent, threatening the autonomy of states and the will of the people.
“The president’s actions have been described as reckless, unconstitutional, and an affront to Nigeria’s democracy.
“The crisis in Rivers State has drawn international attention, with concerns about implications for Nigeria’s democratic stability”.
The groups therefore demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended officials and called on all Nigerians to defend the principles of democracy, federalism, and the rule of law.
The statement further reads, “We call on the federal government to respect the democratic process and reinstate Governor Fubara and the suspended lawmakers.
“We also urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend our democracy against any form of manipulation or erosion.
As we planned to celebrate Democracy Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy, federalism, and the rule of law.
We must work together to ensure that our democratic institutions are strengthened, not weakened”.
