A prominent law firm, Crownfield Solicitors, has called for the removal of President Bola Tinubu as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), citing concerns over his governance approach in Rivers State.
The firm, in a letter addressed to the regional bloc, accused Tinubu of enforcing a “pseudo-military rule” in the state, alleging that his actions undermine democratic principles.
The letter, signed by Chief Festus Ogwuche in collaboration with the Campaign for Social Justice and Constitutional Democracy in Africa, the firm alleged that Tinubu’s actions violate regional treaties and threaten democracy in West Africa.
The letter claimed that Tinubu, in his capacity as ECOWAS Chairman, has suspended democratic institutions in Rivers State and installed a “neo-junta regime.”
This move, according to the solicitors, directly contravened the ECOWAS Treaty, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
Some of the Key violations cited
– Article 4(g) of the ECOWAS Treaty, which mandates the promotion of democracy and human rights.
– Article 13(1) of the African Charter, guaranteeing citizens’ right to participate in governance.
– The ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy (2001), which binds member states to uphold democratic norms.
The solicitors warned that Tinubu’s actions set a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging authoritarian rule in other ECOWAS nations. They argue that this undermines years of progress in stabilizing West Africa, particularly amid recent military coups in the region.
“These actions diminish ECOWAS’s credibility and its commitment to democratic governance,” the letter partly read. “If unchecked, they will embolden further violations across West Africa.”
Calls for Immediate Action
Chief Ogwuche demands:
- Tinubu’s removal as ECOWAS Chairman for “failing to uphold the organization’s principles.”
- Restoration of democratic institutions in Rivers State.
- Intervention by ECOWAS leaders to prevent further erosion of democracy.
Copies of the letter were sent to Nigeria’s President, the ECOWAS Commission, Parliament, and Court of Justice.
On March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the protracted political crisis and vandalisation of oil facilities.
The President suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the Rivers governor; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and all house of assembly members for six months.
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