(DDM) – Human rights activist Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately stop the upcoming Rivers State Local Government Area elections, warning that the process violates Nigeria’s Constitution and threatens democratic principles.
In an open letter dated August 13, and obtained by SaharaReporters, Dr. Jaja accused the President and the National Assembly of “experimenting” with Rivers State, likening it to a “Genetically Modified Organism” (GMO) or “lab rat” for unconstitutional practices.
The activist’s letter, titled “Open Letter to PBAT: Please Uphold Section 140 of the Nigerian Constitution (Stop the Rivers State LGA Elections)”, argued that the current governance structure in Rivers State is unprecedented and unlawful. He noted that the state is presently administered by a sole administrator, alongside sole administrators in its 23 LGAs—an arrangement he said is not envisaged under the Constitution.
According to Dr. Jaja, this experimental governance model amounts to “state capture” designed to ensure Rivers State aligns politically with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He further warned that conducting LGA elections under such conditions would deepen the constitutional breach.
Quoting Section 140 of the 1999 Constitution, he reminded President Tinubu of his oath of office taken on May 29, 2023, to uphold the Constitution “in letter and spirit.” If dissatisfied with any constitutional provisions, Jaja noted, the proper process for amendment lies in Section 9, which involves both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
Dr. Jaja compared the current situation to genetic engineering, warning that, like GMO products, this “engineered” Rivers State could have negative and lasting side effects for both the President and the legislature. He insisted that the only constitutional remedy is to reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly to restore legitimate governance.
The activist also cited the 2001 ECOWAS Treaty, which prohibits the governance of member states or sub-national units by non-elected officials. He cautioned that ignoring this obligation could draw legal challenges at the ECOWAS Court of Justice and tarnish Nigeria’s international reputation.
Dr. Jaja concluded by urging the President to revert to the status quo ante, warning that history would remember his decision on the matter. He thanked President Tinubu in advance for what he described as an anticipated “prompt and positive response.”
The letter has sparked renewed debate about constitutionalism, executive overreach, and political interference in state affairs, with observers noting that Rivers State has become a flashpoint in Nigeria’s broader governance and democracy discourse.