Nigerians in the United Kingdom have raised significant concerns over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the members of the State House of Assembly.
The Progressives Without Borders, an advocacy group, stated that the move has severely tarnished Nigeria’s global image, drawing criticism from the international community for what is seen as a serious overreach of executive power.
In a statement signed by its President, John Andrew, who also chairs the APC in South-East London, the group highlighted that the decision undermines the principles of federalism and democratic governance, casting doubts on the legitimacy of President Tinubu’s administration.
The statement emphasized, “Nigeria’s global standing has taken a significant hit, with the nation now viewed as a place where the government ignores the rule of law and weakens democratic institutions.”
It further noted that the questionable interpretation of the Constitution behind Fubara’s suspension has deepened concerns, with the timing being especially troubling, following a contentious presidential election.
The legitimacy of the election results has already been challenged by many international observers, and the government’s actions have only fueled those doubts.
“As a result, the ratings of the Tinubu administration have sharply declined, and Nigeria’s reputation on the world stage has been severely compromised. The long-term consequences of these developments are alarming, threatening a permanent erosion of trust in democratic processes and the rule of law,” the statement continued.
In light of these issues, the group called on President Tinubu to reverse the suspension and restore democratic governance in Rivers State.
The Progressives Without Borders argued that this would be an essential first step toward rebuilding faith in the government’s dedication to democratic principles.
“The President must take decisive actions to address the concerns raised by the international community and ensure an independent and impartial judiciary,” they added.
The statement further stressed that the government must tackle the root causes of the crisis in Rivers State, which require a holistic approach addressing the political, economic, and social factors at play.
Moreover, it urged the government to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights. To restore Nigeria’s international standing, the government must prioritize democratic values, transparency, and accountability.
“Fostering a culture of democracy and respect for the rule of law will require a long-term commitment to promoting democratic principles and holding the government accountable to the people,” the statement concluded.
