The National Youth Leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Uchechukwu Ogbonna, has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the removal of elected officials, calling it an “illegal coup” against the people and a violation of Nigeria’s Constitution.
In a statement released in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Ogbonna criticized the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing the move as unconstitutional.
“The actions of the Tinubu-led administration violate Sections 188 and 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outline the legal processes for the removal of elected officials. There is no justification for this so-called emergency,” Ogbonna stated.
He argued that the conditions required for declaring a state of emergency—such as war, invasion, or a total breakdown of public order—do not exist in Rivers State.
“This desperate and undemocratic maneuver is an outright assault on the rule of law and a vile attempt to crush the will of the people. The Constitution only permits a state of emergency under extreme circumstances, none of which are present in Rivers State,” he added.
The SDP youth leader called on the international community to condemn the move and demanded the immediate reinstatement of the suspended officials.
“We will not stand by while our democracy is desecrated by power-hungry politicians. The opposition youth will continue to mobilize and resist this injustice until it is overturned,” Ogbonna declared, urging civil society groups, human rights activists, and Nigerians to rise in defense of democracy.
As tensions rise, political observers warn that the situation in Rivers State could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
