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Why Rivers Elders urged Pres Tinubu to restore democratic rule
DDM NEWS
Rivers Elders
Rivers Elders have urged President Bola Tinubu to restore democratic rule in Rivers State, calling for an end to the emergency rule imposed in March 2025.
The elders, from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, made this plea after conducting a critical analysis of the state’s political situation.
The crisis in Rivers State began in October 2023 when 27 pro-Wike lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leading to a breakdown in governance.
In March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all 32 state lawmakers, citing rising insecurity and government inaction .
Various groups have joined the Rivers Elders in calling for the restoration of democratic rule, including ; Citizens’ Action for Democratic Restoration (CADR).
This civic organization has urged President Tinubu to review the emergency rule and engage in broader stakeholder discussions to resolve the political situation.
Legal practitioners under this group have protested, demanding the immediate restoration of democratic order in Rivers State.
This group has expressed concern over the declaration of a state of emergency, emphasizing the need for solutions that uphold democratic principles and respect citizens’ rights.
According to recent reports, President Tinubu is poised to restore democratic rule in Rivers State by reinstating Governor Fubara and the State House of Assembly before the end of July.
This move aims to end the protracted political standoff and restore stability in the crisis-ridden state .
The restoration of democratic rule in Rivers State would mark a significant milestone in resolving the state’s leadership crisis.
It would also signal a return to democratic normalcy under President Tinubu’s watch.
However, the cost of peace may be politically steep for Governor Fubara, and the focus is on restoring calm and governance.
Another report also states : “Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has called for the immediate lifting of the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, following the recent reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the Forum described the political crisis that rocked the state over the past few months as a “sad development that deeply wounded the soul of our dear state and cast an undeserved shadow on our collective image, unity, progress, and prosperity.”
While expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the crisis, the elders commended both leaders for what they described as a “show of maturity and courage” in embracing peace.
“This was exactly what we, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, had earnestly sought from the very beginning,” said Acting Chairman of the Forum, Alabo Dr Gabriel Toby. “Unfortunately, our initial efforts were not heeded, which necessitated our formal appeal to Mr President.” The report stated.
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