A powerful coalition of Nigerians abroad has sounded a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu, accusing his administration of orchestrating a full-blown assault on democracy, using the ongoing crisis in Rivers State as a chilling example.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Movement for Democracy, in an open letter signed by its President Dr. Samson Idoko and Secretary-General Patriot John Andrew Onuh, condemned what they describe as an unconstitutional distortion of power—the six-month suspension of the duly elected Governor of Rivers State, his deputy, and key lawmakers.
“This is not democracy. This is a democratic tragedy in motion,” the group declared.
“A nation gasping for breath cannot afford to have its lifeline—democracy—cut off at the jugular.”
The group warned that the suspension of elected officials under the guise of emergency rule is not only unlawful, but dangerous to the fabric of Nigeria’s fragile democracy. They called on President Tinubu to immediately reconsider the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers and return to constitutional and legislative paths for resolution.
“There is a clear derailment from what you stood and fought for,” the letter reads.
“What is happening in Rivers State is proof that under your presidency, democracy is not just under threat—it is suffocating.”
In a passionate plea, the Diaspora Movement demanded that democracy must not only exist but be seen to thrive, urging Tinubu to distance himself from the perception of authoritarianism.
“The excessive political pressure placed on Rivers State is sending shockwaves across the entire nation. Democracy is in a state of asphyxia, and if nothing is done in a matter of minutes, it will be suffocated to death.”
The group warned that failure to act decisively would leave a permanent stain on Tinubu’s legacy, turning past achievements into a footnote in a dark chapter of Nigeria’s democratic history.
Instead of emergency rule, the group proposed strong legislative deterrents, including:
- Sanctions against political actors fueling the crisis
- A 10-year ban on political activity or public office for offenders
- Transparent legislative reforms to prevent future abuse
“We are convinced you will heed this call,”
they wrote.
“But the world is watching—and history will not be kind to indifference.”
As political tension in Rivers continues to fester, the Diaspora’s message is clear: Nigeria’s democracy stands on the edge—and only bold, lawful leadership can pull it back from the abyss.
