In a fiery statement on Sunday, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers State political crisis, accusing him of orchestrating a civilian coup against Governor Siminalayi Fubara under the guise of a baseless state of emergency.
HURIWA berated the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the National Assembly for what it described as cowardly silence and complicity, warning that their failure to act threatens Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
Speaking through its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA slammed the NGF’s refusal to speak out against the unconstitutional suspension of Governor Fubara and the Rivers State legislature. The group described the NGF’s self-serving declaration distancing itself from partisan issues as gross irresponsibility and a betrayal of democratic principles, especially when one of its members is under attack.
HURIWA faulted President Tinubu’s actions, arguing that they amount to “constitutional suicide” and “civilian coup plotting.” The group stressed that under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the conditions for declaring a state of emergency—such as war, natural disasters, or a breakdown of law and order—are clearly defined, none of which exist in Rivers State.
“Where is the breakdown of public order or war in Rivers State?” Onwubiko asked. “What we are witnessing is a grand political scheme by the Presidency, aided by the National Assembly and the NGF, to subvert democracy.”
HURIWA also took a swipe at lawmakers, accusing them of rubber-stamping the President’s unconstitutional moves, describing their actions as collaboration in undermining the Constitution.
The group cautioned the judiciary to remain the last hope of democracy and resist any attempt to legalize illegality, warning that failure to do so will mark the end of constitutional governance in Nigeria.
Highlighting President Tinubu’s role as ECOWAS Chairman, HURIWA noted the irony in his condemnation of military coups in other West African nations while allegedly facilitating a civilian coup at home.
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HURIWA urged governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to urgently approach the Supreme Court to seek interpretation of Section 305 and challenge what it called a clear constitutional breach.
“This is not about Fubara or party politics. It is about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy,” the group concluded.
