Rivers’ Governance Crisis: Law Firm Seeks Tinubu’s Ouster From ECOWAS Chairmanship Over Alleged ‘Dictatorship

The law firm issued the demand in a letter addressed to the regional bloc, claiming that Tinubu’s actions in Rivers violate regional treaties and threaten the democratic foundations of West Africa. The letter, signed by Chief Festus Ogwuche and supported by the Campaign for Social Justice and Constitutional Democracy in Africa, strongly condemns the president’s conduct, arguing that it undermines the principles ECOWAS stands for.

Crownfield Solicitors alleges that under Tinubu’s leadership as ECOWAS Chairman, democratic institutions in Rivers State were suspended and replaced by a “neo-junta regime,” which the firm claims directly contravenes the ECOWAS Treaty, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

The law firm highlights several key violations, including:

• Article 4(g) of the ECOWAS Treaty, which mandates the promotion of democracy and human rights among member states.

• Article 13(1) of the African Charter, which guarantees citizens the right to participate in governance.

• The ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy (2001), which binds member states to uphold democratic norms.

Crownfield Solicitors warns that these actions set a dangerous precedent that could pave the way for authoritarian regimes across West Africa, jeopardizing the region’s hard-won progress, particularly in the wake of recent military coups.

The law firm demands Tinubu’s removal as ECOWAS Chairman for allegedly failing to uphold the organization’s core principles and calls for the restoration of democratic institutions in Rivers State. The letter also urges ECOWAS leaders to intervene immediately to prevent further democratic backsliding in the region.

On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis and attacks on oil facilities. As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state house of assembly for six months.