In response to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the Take-It-Back movement has announced plans for nationwide protests set for Monday, April 7, 2025, raising alarm over democratic concerns.
The Take-It-Back movement has confirmed that it will go ahead with nationwide protests on Monday, April 7, 2025. The protests are in reaction to President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which they believe undermines democracy and state autonomy.
President Tinubu made the declaration on March 18, 2025, citing prolonged political instability in the state. As a result, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers House of Assembly were suspended.
In their place, former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ekwe Ibas, was appointed Sole Administrator of the state for an initial six-month period.
According to the Take-It-Back movement and several civil society groups, the federal government's intervention represents an abuse of executive power and sets a dangerous precedent.
They are calling for the immediate reinstatement of the elected officials and a return to constitutional order.
Meanwhile, seven state governors under the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have approached the Supreme Court to challenge the legality of the President’s decision.
They argue that the move violates the Nigerian Constitution and erodes the principles of federalism.
Security agencies have urged protesters to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the planned demonstrations, emphasizing the importance of avoiding violence amid the ongoing political tension.
Source: punch
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