Rivers Lawyers, Legal Advocacy Groups, CSOs Stage Protest At US Embassy in Abuja Over Emergency Rule

The protest, which drew members of various legal advocacy groups and civil society organizations, was aimed at drawing international attention to what the lawyers described as a “deliberate attempt to undermine democracy and constitutional order” in the state.

The lawyers carried placards with inscriptions such as “Save Rivers Democracy,” “No to Political Intimidation,” and “Rule of Law Must Prevail.” They accused certain federal forces of attempting to destabilize the state government under the guise of restoring order.

Speaking during the demonstration, Barr. John Eze, one of the lead conveners, said:

“We are here to alert the international community, especially the United States, about the growing threat to democracy in Rivers State. The calls for a state of emergency are politically motivated and a direct affront to democratic governance.”

The protest comes amid heightened political tension in Rivers State, following a prolonged conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and political interests loyal to his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The situation has sparked fears of a breakdown in law and order, with some voices in Abuja allegedly pushing for federal intervention.

However, legal practitioners and civil society actors argue that declaring a state of emergency would be a violation of democratic norms, especially when the state has not descended into uncontrollable violence or constitutional collapse.

The lawyers have called on the international community, particularly the US and other democratic partners, to monitor the situation closely and speak against any actions that could threaten democratic stability in Rivers State.