In a letter dated March 28 and addressed to the President, the Director-General of the institute, Prof. Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, described the emergency rule as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and international reputation
By Titilope Adako
Lagos, Nigeria | April 8 2025
The Institute of Law Research and Development of the United Nations (ILAWDUN), based in the United States, has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
In a letter dated March 28 and addressed to the President, the Director-General of the institute, Prof. Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, described the emergency rule as a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and international reputation.
KoikiMedia recalls that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, citing a prolonged political crisis and the destruction of oil facilities.
Following the declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly were suspended for six months.
A retired vice admiral, Ibok-Ete Ibas, was appointed as sole administrator of the state.
The emergency rule was ratified by both the Senate and House of Representatives on March 20, while all political officeholders in the state were suspended by Ibas on March 26.
Reacting, Edward-Ekpo said he initially considered approaching the Supreme Court but changed his mind due to what he described as widespread scepticism about the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary.
“It has become a widely held global perception that Nigeria’s judicial system suffers a crisis of confidence. Many have lost faith in the court’s integrity, moral standing, and intellectual credibility,” the letter read.
He warned that Tinubu’s action in Rivers could damage his legacy as a long-time pro-democracy advocate.
“Mr President, just a few days ago, a reputable individual was denied the opportunity to rent an office space in Washington, DC, simply because he was Nigerian—on the premise that Nigerians cannot be trusted.
“Similarly, a business partner withdrew from a tripartite investment contract solely because a Nigerian company was involved, citing concerns over the dispute resolution clause, which designated Nigeria as the jurisdictional venue.
“These are not isolated incidents. Nigerians frequently face visa denials, cancellations, and unwarranted suspicion in the global market,” he stated.
He argued that the president lacked the legal authority to suspend an elected governor and blamed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for the misstep.
“It is clear that your advisers—whether out of mischief or ignorance—have misled you, tarnishing your reputation and bringing Nigeria into disrepute on the global stage.
“I have engaged with many individuals, including senior lawyers in Nigeria, and I have consistently maintained that you, Mr President, are not to blame for this situation. The responsibility squarely falls on the attorney-general of the federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN,” he said.
Edward-Ekpo expressed disappointment at Fagbemi’s role, stating that he failed to provide the president with sound legal guidance.
He also questioned the legitimacy of the National Assembly’s ratification of the emergency rule.
“What arcane magic did the National Assembly conjure a two-thirds majority?” he queried.
He urged President Tinubu to rescind the state of emergency and reinstate Governor Fubara without delay.
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