Renowned legal practitioner Sir Ifeanyi C. Ejiofor has issued a scathing condemnation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a brazen assault on constitutional democracy and a politically motivated power grab.
In a fiery statement on Wednesday, Ejiofor—who represents the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)—warned that Nigeria’s democracy is at a dangerous crossroads and called on the National Assembly to reject the emergency proclamation and restore constitutional order.
“A Political Ploy, Not a Security Crisis”
Ejiofor dismissed Tinubu’s justification for the emergency rule, arguing that Rivers State is not facing war, invasion, or a collapse of public order, as required by Section 305(3)(a-g) of the 1999 Constitution for such a drastic measure.
“This action appears to be a calculated political maneuver rather than a genuine response to any constitutional crisis,” he declared.
According to Ejiofor, the real motivation behind the declaration is a battle for control over Rivers State’s vast political and economic resources, with the president allegedly acting to appease a powerful political godfather.
“A Coup Against Democratic Institutions”
Ejiofor did not mince words, calling the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly an outright coup against democracy.
“This is nothing short of an executive coup, a blatant deviation from the legal provisions governing emergency declarations,” he charged.
A Weak and Compromised National Assembly?
Ejiofor also took aim at the National Assembly, accusing it of failing in its duty to act as a check on executive power.
“The National Assembly has become the weakest and most compromised legislative body in Nigeria’s democratic history,” he lamented.
He urged lawmakers to reject the president’s illegal move and reassert their authority, warning that failure to do so would further weaken Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
Judiciary Must Act—Or Democracy Is Lost
With doubts over whether the National Assembly will stand up to Tinubu, Ejiofor turned to the Judiciary, calling it Nigeria’s last hope for justice.
“If the Legislature fails, the Judiciary must act decisively to uphold the rule of law. Nigeria’s democracy depends on it,” he declared.
NBA Joins the Fight—The World Is Watching
Ejiofor praised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by Afam Osigwe, SAN, for its swift intervention, describing the crisis as a defining moment for Nigeria’s legal and political institutions.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, warning that if Tinubu’s decision goes unchallenged, it could set a dangerous precedent for future authoritarianism.
“We must not allow constitutional violations to stand unchecked. The world is watching, and the credibility of our institutions is on the line,” he warned.
“Let the Rule of Law Prevail”
In his final appeal, Ejiofor called for the immediate reversal of the state of emergency and the reinstatement of Rivers State’s elected officials.
“Let wisdom, justice, and the rule of law prevail,” he said.
As the battle over Rivers State’s fate rages on, one thing is clear—Ejiofor and other defenders of Nigeria’s democracy are not backing down.
