South-South, South-East Professionals Demand Immediate Reinstatement of Rivers Democratic Institutions

The South-South, South-East Professionals of Nigeria (SESSPN) have strongly condemned the recent suspension of key democratic institutions in Rivers State following the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The group has called for the immediate reinstatement of the state’s duly elected government, warning that the crisis is already having severe economic consequences, particularly in foreign investment and regional stability.

Emergency Rule in Rivers Sparks Controversy

President Tinubu imposed emergency rule in Rivers State last Tuesday, citing escalating political tensions and threats to public order. The emergency decree led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, and all elected lawmakers, effectively dissolving the state’s democratic structures. A federal-appointed sole administrator has since taken control of the state’s governance, a move that has been met with resistance and criticism from various political and civil society groups.

While the federal government insists that the measure was necessary to prevent further instability, critics argue that it represents an abuse of executive power and a violation of democratic principles. The SESSPN has now added its voice to the growing opposition, warning that the move could have long-term political and economic repercussions.

Foreign Investors Abandon Rivers for Lagos

In a statement released on Thursday, March 27, SESSPN’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Ojo, described the emergency rule as a counterproductive decision that is chasing away foreign investors who had previously shown interest in Rivers State.

According to Ugwu-Ojo, investors who had planned to invest in the state’s non-oil sector have withdrawn their commitments, opting instead for more stable business environments such as Lagos and Abuja.

“Just last month, a leading international investor was in Nigeria exploring opportunities in Lagos, Abuja, and Rivers. After meeting with Rivers State officials, he was convinced of the state’s potential as a key investment hub. However, with the abrupt dissolution of the government, all planned investments have been redirected to Lagos, leaving Rivers at a severe economic disadvantage.”

The SESSPN expressed concerns that billions of dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI) could be lost if the situation is not swiftly resolved. The professionals noted that Rivers had been making concerted efforts to attract private sector investment and diversify its economy beyond oil and gas. Now, with the state of emergency in place, those efforts risk being completely undone.

Impact on the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Economic Corridor

Beyond direct investment, the ongoing political crisis also threatens a major economic initiative—the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri Economic Corridor. This ambitious project was designed to boost trade and industrialization across the South-South, South-East, North-Central, and North-East regions of Nigeria.

“Rivers State was expected to be a strategic hub in this initiative. However, the uncertainty caused by emergency rule is now forcing investors and stakeholders to reconsider their commitment to the project,” Ugwu-Ojo warned.

The economic corridor, which had the potential to create thousands of jobs, expand trade networks, and revitalize industries, may now suffer setbacks if the crisis is not urgently addressed.

Call for Immediate Reinstatement of Democratic Governance

In its statement, the South-South, South-East Professionals of Nigeria urged the federal government to:

1. Restore Governor Fubara’s Administration – Reinstate the elected governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers to maintain constitutional legitimacy.

2. End Political Interference – Ensure that political disputes within Rivers State are resolved through legal and democratic means rather than executive overreach.

3. Reassure Investors – Provide strong guarantees that Rivers remains a safe and stable environment for both local and international investors.

“The people of Rivers State should not suffer because of political disputes among a few politicians,” the group stated.

SESSPN emphasized that any crisis in Rivers should be resolved peacefully, through dialogue and legal processes, rather than by dismantling democratic institutions.

Broader Implications for Nigerian Democracy

The emergency rule in Rivers is sparking broader concerns about the future of democracy in Nigeria. Political analysts warn that if a sitting president can unilaterally dissolve an elected state government, it sets a dangerous precedent that could be used against other opposition-controlled states in the future.

Moreover, opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, have condemned the decision, accusing Tinubu of authoritarianism and using federal power to suppress political rivals.

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“This is not just about Rivers State; this is about the future of Nigerian democracy. If we allow this to stand, what stops the federal government from declaring emergency rule in any state where it faces opposition?” an opposition spokesperson asked.

What Next? Calls for Action Intensify

With pressure mounting, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether:

• The federal government will reconsider its stance, possibly restoring Rivers’ elected government.

• The political crisis escalates, leading to potential legal battles and mass protests.

• More civil society organizations, business leaders, and foreign governments voice their concerns.

For now, SESSPN and other pro-democracy groups remain firm in their demand for an immediate return to constitutional governance in Rivers State. The group warns that failure to do so will not only cripple the state’s economy but also damage Nigeria’s democratic reputation on the global stage.