US Law Institute Urges Tinubu to Reverse Fubara’s Suspension, Warns of Democratic Breakdown

The United States-based Institute of Law Research & Development (ILAWDUN) has issued a strong appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to immediately reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The institute warned that failing to do so could cause lasting harm to Tinubu’s legacy and undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations....CONTINUE READING>>>

According to ILAWDUN, the suspension of a sitting governor and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State violate constitutional principles and pose a threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

In a statement released on Monday, Professor Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, Director of ILAWDUN and a Professor of International Environmental and Public International Law, condemned the actions as unconstitutional and warned of the precedent they could set.

“If the Supreme Court upholds the emergency declaration and the suspension of a democratically elected state governor and legislature by another democratically elected official, it will permanently stain your legacy.

“You will be remembered as the President who undermined constitutional principles and legitimised illegality,” the statement read.

ILAWDUN argued that a state of emergency is only justifiable when there is a total collapse of law and order—something the Nigerian Police Force cannot manage. The institute stated that such conditions did not exist in Rivers State at the time the decision was made.

It insisted that suspending an elected governor and legislature without a constitutional basis amounts to a violation of democratic norms.

The statement further warned, “Such actions would stain President Tinubu’s legacy, positioning him as a leader who disregarded the rule of law,” urging swift action to restore constitutional governance.

ILAWDUN also highlighted that a legal challenge is currently before the Supreme Court, filed by seven opposition governors contesting the legality of Fubara’s suspension. The institute cautioned against dismissing the case based on technicalities, noting that such a move would damage both the judiciary’s credibility and public confidence in Tinubu’s leadership.

“The Supreme Court Justices cannot, in good conscience, sustain such an obvious constitutional violation. Should the Court resort to dismissing the case on technical grounds or employ orchestrated tactics, it will be perceived as judicial compromise under your influence, further eroding public trust in both the judiciary and your administration,” Professor Edward-Ekpo stated.

ILAWDUN called on President Tinubu to act promptly, emphasizing that restoring democratic order in Rivers State is critical to preserving Nigeria’s constitutional framework and upholding the nation’s democratic future.