State of Emergency in Rivers: Nigerians shouldn’t let this tyranny stand
By Sanusi Isa Dan-Ada
As the people of Rivers state face the looming threat of tyranny and disregard for the rule of law, it’s imperative that we remember the transformative power of collective action. “The power of the people is much stronger than the people in power,” Wael Ghonim so aptly put it. These words serve as a potent reminder that, together, we can challenge and defeat systems that seek to undermine our democracy.
Abraham Lincoln’s words echo this sentiment, “We, the people, are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.” This declaration underscores our responsibility to safeguard our democratic institutions and ensure that those in power serve the people, not their own interests.
In this critical moment, it’s essential that we raise our voices and demand justice. The power of the people is not just a metaphor; it’s a tangible force that can shape the course of history. “The power of the people is like a tempest, it can shake the earth and move the mountains.” We’ve seen this time and again throughout history, from the Arab Spring to the Civil Rights Movement.
The president has no constitutional authority to remove or suspend a democratically elected governor, and attempting to do so would be a blatant violation of our constitution. This document, which the president swore to protect, clearly outlines the separation of powers and the authority of each branch of government. Removing or suspending a governor would overstep the president’s bounds and disregard the will of the people who elected that governor. I urge citizens to reject such an action with full force, as it would undermine the democratic principles and institutions that our country is built upon.
Nigerian governors, regardless of party affiliation, must unite to challenge the president’s attempt to remove/suspend a democratically elected governor. The old adage “an injury to one is an injury to all” couldn’t be more relevant in this situation, as the fate of democracy in Nigeria hangs in the balance.
The Nigerian National Assembly must also intervene, telling the president loudly and clearly that he lacks the constitutional power to remove/suspend a democratically elected governor. They should remind him that this is a democracy, and in 2025, such authoritarian actions will not be tolerated. The National Assembly must uphold the constitution and protect the rights of the people, ensuring that the president does not overstep his bounds.
The judiciary, as the guardian of the constitution, must not remain silent in the face of this blatant power grab. We urge the judiciary to assert its independence and uphold the rule of law, by unequivocally declaring the president’s actions as unconstitutional and unlawful, and fulfilling its sacred duty to protect the rights of the people and defend the constitution.
By speaking out against the president’s actions, the judiciary can help restore faith in the democratic process and prevent the president from continuing down a destructive path. The judiciary’s role is not only to interpret the law but also to protect the rights of the people and defend the constitution.
Above all, it’s time for the good people of Nigeria to rise up and demand justice! We must take to the streets, unite our voices, and demonstrate our outrage against the misrule of our beloved country. We, the people, are the true owners of this nation. We must not sit idly by while our country is being ravaged by poor leadership. As Mahatma Gandhi proclaimed, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Let us be the change Nigeria needs. Let us show our leaders that we will no longer tolerate injustice, corruption, and oppression. We are powerful, we are resilient, and we are the future of this great nation. Yes, we can declare state of emergency on our bad leaders too.
Dan-Ada, a Human Rights activist
Writes from Yola North
