Rivers Emergency Rule, Threat to Democracy, says Boot Party chair

BOOT Party has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a dangerous political maneuver that threatens Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Sonny Adenuga, the party argued that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s lawmakers was unconstitutional and reminiscent of past military rule.

“The president’s actions have effectively vested all powers in an appointed administrator—essentially creating a dictatorship that raises serious questions about the abuse of emergency powers,” the statement read.

BOOT Party compared the situation to Nigeria’s past authoritarian regimes, particularly the military rule of General Sani Abacha, who dissolved democratic institutions.

It questioned why Rivers State, despite its political tensions, was singled out for emergency intervention when more severe security crises persist in other parts of the country.

The party also accused the Federal Government of bypassing the judiciary, noting that the Supreme Court had already ruled on the Rivers crisis.

“Instead of allowing the judicial process to unfold, the president took matters into his own hands, undermining the judiciary and the rule of law,” the statement added.

Additionally, BOOT Party raised concerns over the financial implications of the emergency rule. With Rivers State now under a sole administrator, the party questioned the legal basis for managing the state’s finances without elected representatives.

Warning of the dangerous precedent this move could set, the party stated that if left unchallenged, future presidents could exploit emergency declarations to manipulate elections and consolidate power in key states.

The party called on the National Assembly, judiciary, and other stakeholders to reject the emergency declaration and restore democratic governance in Rivers State.

“This is not merely a local issue—it is a battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy,” Adenuga emphasized, urging Nigerians to resist any attempts to erode democratic institutions.