Rivers Emergency Rule: Nigerians in US to Protest at White House, Issue Warning To Tinubu

Rivers Emergency Rule: Nigerians in US to Protest at White House, Issue Warning To Tinubu

  • Nigerians living in the United States will take action against the state of emergency declaration in Rivers state
  • The coalition of Nigerian activists said it will stage a protest at the White House in Washington DC
  • The Nigerian activists under the Democratic Movement (DM) will also submit petitions demanding international intervention in the matter

Legit.ng journalist, Adekunle Dada, has over 7 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues.

Washington DC, United States - A coalition of Nigerian activists under the Democratic Movement (DM) has announced a plan to protest at the White House in Washington, DC in the United States over the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.

The demonstrators will march to the White House and the U.S. Department of State to submit petitions demanding international intervention.

Nigerians in US to protest at White House over Rivers emergency rule
Nigerians living in the US plan to submit petitions demanding international intervention over Rivers' emergency rule. Photo credit: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Sir Sim Fubara
Source: Facebook

The coalition is demanding the reversal of the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

Read also

Coalition of Nigerians writes African Union over state of emergency in Rivers

The group is also calling for the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the restoration of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The president of the group, Cosmos Collins Achief, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday, April 3, 2025, and made available to Legit.ng.

Achief said the protest aims to draw global attention to a “direct assault on democracy and the will of the people.”

“We cannot sit back while an elected governor is removed, an entire legislature is suspended, and an unelected administrator is imposed. These are dangerous precedents that threaten Nigeria’s democracy.”

The statement added that:

“The world needs to see what is happening in Rivers State. A democratically elected government has been suspended under the guise of emergency rule. We are urging President Donald Trump to engage with Nigerian authorities and call for the immediate restoration of constitutional order.”

The pro-democracy movement also called on global leaders, including the United Nations and the African Union, to take notice of what it describes as a blatant attack on democratic governance in Nigeria.

Read also

Rivers emergency rule: Group blasts sole administrator over mass suspension

Achief warned that:

“The president must understand that his actions could lead to serious diplomatic consequences. This move is a step toward dictatorship, and Nigeria risks facing international sanctions if democratic principles are not respected.”

The demonstration is expected to draw the attention of Nigerians in the diaspora, civil rights activists, and supporters of democracy who share concerns about governance in Nigeria.

Legit.ng earlier reported that a Nigerian coalition petitioned the African Union, alleging that President Tinubu's emergency rule in Rivers State violates constitutional democracy.

The group claims that Tinubu overreached by suspending Governor Fubara and dissolving the state assembly without legal justification.

They warn that this sets a dangerous precedent for African democracies and demand AU intervention to restore constitutional order.

Rivers emergency rule: What Fubara should do to have a soft landing

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the suspended Rivers state governor was advised to embrace reconciliation, restitution, and reunion.

Read also

Rivers emergency rule: NLC threatens nationwide strike, makes key demand from Tinubu

Anyakweh Miracle Amadi, Esq. explained the only way Fubara can have a soft landing after the state of emergency declaration in Rivers state.

During an interview with Legit.ng, the public affairs analyst said Fubara should reach out to those Nyesom Wike and the Speaker respect to help him.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Adekunle Dada avatar

Adekunle Dada (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Adekunle Dada is a trained journalist with over 7 years of working experience. He is also a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a B.Sc. in Mass Communication From Lagos State University, Ojo. Adekunle previously worked at PM News, The Sun, and Within Nigeria where he expressed his journalistic skills with well-researched articles and features. In 2024, Adekunle obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. He can be reached via adekunle.dada@corp.legit.ng.

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