The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. HOMEF described the suspension of elected officials and the appointment of a military sole administrator as a direct attack on democracy and the rule of law.
President Bola Tinubu announced the emergency rule in Rivers, citing political instability and security concerns. However, HOMEF insists that the move undermines democratic principles and threatens socioecological stability in the Niger Delta.
“The Niger Delta is not a hub of insurgency, yet it remains one of Nigeria’s most militarized regions,” said Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, HOMEF’s Executive Director. He argued that past military interventions in the region prioritized crude oil over environmental and human well-being.
HOMEF fears that emergency rule could worsen human rights abuses and deepen impunity. “History has shown that military rule in the region has led to destruction, loss of lives, and environmental devastation,” Bassey stated.
The organization also questioned Tinubu’s justification for the state of emergency. “Blaming the situation on threats to oil pipelines ignores the reality that many decrepit facilities have exploded without external interference,” HOMEF noted.
The group strongly opposes any attempt to use military force to expand oil drilling in the Niger Delta. “Militarization should not serve as a cover for further exploitation of the region’s resources,” HOMEF warned.
HOMEF also criticised the lack of transparency in oil company divestments. “Secretive deals could undermine local communities and national interests,” the organization stated.
HOMEF called for an immediate return to democratic governance in Rivers State. “No law grants the President the power to replace elected institutions with military rule,” Bassey stressed.
The organization urged strict adherence to constitutional provisions and demanded responsible governance that prioritises people and the environment over crude oil extraction.
