Innocent Onoh
The Southern Solidarity Alliance (SSA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the National Assembly to immediately repeal the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Ndubuisi Okafor, the group also urged the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, insisting that the suspension of elected officials under the emergency rule sets a dangerous precedent.
SSA expressed concern over the President’s decision, which it described as undemocratic and ill-advised. According to the group, “Only appointed officials can be promptly suspended or removed from office. Even for some constitutional appointees, there are clear, lawful procedures. We wonder whether this is the same Tinubu who, as Lagos State Governor, fiercely resisted federal overreach but is now seen dismantling democratic institutions in Rivers under controversial circumstances.”
The group emphasized that democracy should never be suspended—whether temporarily or otherwise—as such actions send troubling signals of instability to both citizens and the international community. It further warned that the move could worsen Nigeria’s economic outlook and political climate.
SSA urged all public office holders, including former leaders, to respect the constitution and the rule of law, while prioritising the people’s welfare above personal or political interests.
“There can only be one elected office holder at a time,” the statement said. “We appeal to all parties to embrace peaceful conflict resolution and honour democratic outcomes, even when they are unfavourable.”
The alliance also advised the National Assembly to always act in the interest of democracy and national development, cautioning politicians against actions that could destabilise the country.
“You win some, you lose some—that’s the nature of democracy,” SSA concluded. “Let us give peace, development, and democracy in Nigeria a chance.”