Rivers State Supreme Court Silence on Rivers Crisis
A Growing Concern: Why the Supreme Court’s Silence Is Raising Eyebrows
Tensions are steadily rising across Nigeria as the nation waits on the Supreme Court
to take action on a case that could reshape the core of our democratic structure.
It’s been nearly a month since eleven PDP governors filed a crucial suit challenging
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and yet,
there’s been no word from the apex court.
Now, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) is speaking out,
calling the delay “toxic” and warning that democracy itself may be on the line if the case continues to stall.
The Heart of the Matter: What Really Happened in Rivers State?
At the center of this legal firestorm is the controversial move by President Tinubu to suspend Rivers State Governor
Siminalayi Fubara and dissolve the state legislature under an emergency rule.
According to reports, the president also appointed a sole administrator to govern the state during this period, a decision that many see as unconstitutional.
This triggered immediate backlash from the public and political figures alike,
with 11 PDP governors from states including Delta, Adamawa, and Bayelsa taking their grievances to the Supreme Court.
They argue that the 1999 Constitution particularly Sections 1(2), 5(2), 176, 180, 188,
and 305 does not give the president the power to remove an elected governor or override a legitimate legislative body.
HURIWA Calls It Out: “This Delay Is Dangerous”
Speaking through its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA did not mince words.
The group accused the Rivers State Supreme Court of deliberately dragging its feet on this monumental case,
which poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
“We believe the Rivers State Supreme Court of Nigeria is doing the greatest disservice to the country
by refusing or unduly delaying the constitution of a panel to adjudicate on the salient constitutional questions posed in this groundbreaking suit,”
Onwubiko stated.
He added that the court’s silence is not just unsettling it’s downright dangerous.
It leaves room for political manipulation and gives the impression that justice is being hijacked for political gain.
The Fear of Political Pressure
HURIWA didn’t stop there.
The group voiced concern that the court’s delay might be an intentional strategy to push the PDP governors
toward a political settlement instead of a legal resolution.
According to them, this is a clear recipe for undermining the rule of law.
“The delay is not just ominous; it is toxic,” Onwubiko warned.
“If the Justices are jittery and refusing to fix a hearing date,
then we fear there may be a deeper conspiratorial plot to destabilize constitutional democracy and achieve total state capture.”
He also raised the alarm that some PDP governors are allegedly being pressured behind closed doors to align with the ruling APC
or even support President Tinubu’s rumored re-election bid.
Why Nigerians Should Be Worried
At the core of this crisis is not just a single state or political rivalry it’s the integrity of the judiciary and the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.
HURIWA warned that this kind of delay erodes public confidence and suggests that the highest court in the land is either compromised or complacent.
“Millions of Nigerians and global observers are watching closely to see if our judiciary can still be trusted to defend democracy,” said Onwubiko.
He noted that, legally, all respondents in the suit including President Tinubu had 14 days to respond to the summons.
However, the Rivers State Supreme Court has yet to set a date for the hearing, fueling fears that justice might be sacrificed on the altar of politics.
What the Constitution Really Says
For those unfamiliar, the Nigerian Constitution provides detailed guidelines on how and when a state of emergency
can be declared and it certainly doesn’t empower the president to remove elected officials at will.
Section 305, for instance, lays out the process and limitations of emergency powers,
including the need for approval from the National Assembly.
Sections 176 and 180 affirm the tenure and authority of a democratically elected governor.
According to the plaintiffs, President Tinubu’s action has overstepped these constitutional limits,
making this case a defining moment for Nigeria’s judiciary.
A Case Bigger Than Rivers State
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about Rivers State. This case touches every state and every Nigerian who values democracy.
If a sitting president can suspend a state’s elected government without immediate legal review,
what does that say about our checks and balances?
What happens in this case will set a precedent.
If the judiciary fails to speak up now, the executive may feel emboldened to repeat such actions elsewhere,
throwing our federal structure into chaos.
The Role of the Chief Justice
HURIWA has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to take swift action.
“The Justices of the Supreme Court should be patriotic enough to entertain this matter and take a decision one way or another,” Onwubiko urged.
By failing to communicate or move forward,
the judiciary risks allowing itself to be seen as a silent accomplice in what could be one of the most controversial power grabs in Nigeria’s history.
The Bigger Picture: Democracy at a Crossroads
Democracy thrives when institutions function independently and efficiently.
At a time when public trust in government is already shaky,
this delay does nothing to assure Nigerians that the courts will act fairly and courageously.
HURIWA made it clear that “justice delayed in this matter could very well be democracy denied.”
And they’re not wrong.
The more time passes without a court date, the more room there is for backdoor negotiations,
party defections, and political deals that override the will of the people.
The Call for Action
It’s time for Nigeria’s judiciary to prove its independence and commitment to the Constitution.
HURIWA and countless Nigerians are urging the Supreme Court to fix a hearing date and allow justice to take its course.
“This is no longer just a legal matter,” HURIWA said in its concluding remarks.
“It’s about whether Nigeria’s democracy is governed by the rule of law or the whims of a powerful few.”
What’s your take on the Supreme Court’s delay in handling this critical case?
Do you think the judiciary is doing enough to protect democracy?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to follow NIGPOST for breaking updates on politics and governance in Nigeria.
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