In response to the State of Emergency declared in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and other elected officials, a group of Nigerians in the diaspora has announced plans to protest outside the White House in Washington, D.C.
The protest, organized by the Democratic Movement (DM), aims to voice opposition to the actions taken by President Bola Tinubu and the subsequent ratification by the National Assembly.
Members and leaders of the group will stage a walk to express their grievances over what they consider an affront to democracy in Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
In a statement released on Thursday, April 3, the president of the DM, Cosmos Achief, called for the immediate reinstatement of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the restoration of the Rivers State House of Assembly lawmakers.
Achief emphasized that the protest seeks to draw global attention to what the group deems a “direct assault on democracy,” highlighting concerns about governance and political stability in Nigeria.
He stated, “We cannot stand by while an elected governor is removed, an entire legislature suspended, and an unelected administrator imposed. These actions set dangerous precedents that threaten Nigeria’s democratic fabric.”
The demonstration, expected to attract civil rights activists, Nigerians in the diaspora, and democracy supporters, aims to send a strong message to both Nigerian authorities and the international community.
“We are calling on President Biden to urge Nigerian officials to restore constitutional order,” Achief added. “The world must be made aware of the undemocratic actions taking place in Rivers State. President Tinubu’s decision could lead to diplomatic consequences, portraying Nigeria as a nation veering toward dictatorship.”