US law institute urges Tinubu to reverse Fubara’s suspension

The United States-based Institute of Law Research and Development (ILAWDUN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, warning that the move poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundation and could tarnish the President’s legacy.

In a statement released on Monday, Prof. Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, Director of ILAWDUN and Professor of International Environmental and Public Law, criticised the suspension of Governor Fubara and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing both actions as unconstitutional and dangerous precedents.

“A state of emergency can only be justified when there is a genuine breakdown of law and order that overwhelms the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force—conditions that were not present in Rivers State,” Edward-Ekpo stated.

He cautioned that if the Supreme Court upholds these measures, it would reflect a grave compromise of constitutional principles and could permanently stain Tinubu’s record as a democratic leader.

The institute also warned against attempts to dismiss the legal challenge brought before the Supreme Court by seven opposition governors.

It argued that avoiding a substantive ruling on the matter, especially on technical grounds, would further erode public trust in the judiciary and the Tinubu administration.

“The justices cannot, in good conscience, validate such a clear constitutional violation,” Edward-Ekpo said, urging President Tinubu to act decisively to uphold the rule of law and protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions.