Rivers State leaders, activists express disappointment over Tinubu’s refusal to restore democracy on June 12
Political activists, Rivers State residents, and opposition leaders have expressed deep disappointment over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s failure to restore democratic governance in Rivers State on June 12, 2025, Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day.
There were widespread expectations that the President would mark the occasion by ending the six-month state of emergency he declared in March 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state assembly due to ongoing security concerns and political crises.
However, Tinubu’s address to the National Assembly made no mention of Rivers State, fueling frustration among residents and politicians who saw this as a missed opportunity to reaffirm democratic principles in the oil-rich state.
Tinubu had justified the emergency rule citing militant threats and political instability, invoking Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution. Yet critics argue the situation has worsened, with some accusing the President of using the suspension to consolidate political control ahead of the 2027 elections.
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson condemned the President’s silence, calling it “deafening” and a betrayal of democracy’s spirit. Similarly, political activist Chizy Enyi accused Tinubu of prioritizing his re-election over Rivers’ democratic rights, highlighting alleged manipulation of local government structures to favor political allies.
Former APC chieftain Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze described the suspension as part of a strategy to underdevelop Rivers State and weaken influential figures like former Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
Residents also expressed concerns over halted infrastructure projects and questioned the management of state funds during the emergency.
The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide appealed to Tinubu to lift the emergency rule and restore Governor Fubara and elected lawmakers, urging the President to demonstrate true commitment to democracy on Democracy Day.
