Nigerian Law Firm Calls for Tinubu’s Removal as ECOWAS Chair Over Rivers Crisis, Citing “Dictatorial Tendencies”
ABUJA, NIGERIA – A Lagos-based law firm, Justice and Equity Advocates (JEA), has ignited a firestorm of controversy by formally petitioning the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to remove Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from his position as Chairman of the regional bloc.
The firm, in a letter addressed to the ECOWAS Commission President and seen by reporters, alleges that President Tinubu’s handling of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State demonstrates “dictatorial tendencies” and a disregard for democratic norms, rendering him unfit to lead the organization dedicated to promoting democracy and good governance in the West African sub-region.
The petition comes amidst escalating tensions in Rivers State, where a protracted political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has paralyzed governance and sparked concerns about potential constitutional breaches.
JEA argues that President Tinubu’s perceived intervention in the Rivers crisis, which they characterize as favoring one side and undermining the authority of the elected Governor, is a clear indication of authoritarian overreach.
“Mr. President Tinubu, by his actions and inactions in the Rivers State political impasse, has demonstrated a clear inclination towards autocratic and dictatorial leadership,” stated Barrister Adebayo Oluwafemi, lead counsel for JEA, in a press statement accompanying the petition.
“His interference in the internal affairs of Rivers State, allegedly to favor certain political interests, is not only a violation of the principles of federalism enshrined in the Nigerian constitution but also a grave betrayal of the democratic ideals that ECOWAS is meant to champion.”
The law firm further argues that President Tinubu’s alleged “dictatorial tendencies” are incompatible with the values and objectives of ECOWAS, particularly Article 1(d) of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty which promotes “Democracy, Rule of Law and Good Governance.”
They contend that allowing a leader accused of undermining democratic processes within his own country to chair a regional body focused on democracy is hypocritical and undermines ECOWAS’s credibility on the international stage.
“How can ECOWAS credibly promote democracy and good governance in member states when its Chairman himself is accused of exhibiting dictatorial behavior at home?”
Barrister Oluwafemi questioned. “President Tinubu’s continued chairmanship is a stain on ECOWAS’s reputation and sends the wrong message to the region and the world.”
The petition from JEA specifically calls on the ECOWAS Commission to initiate processes for the removal of President Tinubu as Chairman, citing his alleged violation of ECOWAS principles and the need to uphold the organization’s commitment to democratic values.
While the petition does not explicitly detail the legal or procedural mechanisms for such a removal, it stresses the urgency of the situation and the potential damage to ECOWAS’s standing if the allegations are ignored.
The Presidency has yet to officially respond to the petition. However, sources within the government, speaking on condition of anonymity, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and unfounded.
They maintained that President Tinubu’s actions in Rivers State have been aimed at mediating peace and ensuring stability, not undermining democracy.
They further argued that the Rivers crisis is an internal Nigerian affair and should not be grounds for ECOWAS intervention.
Political analysts are divided on the potential impact of the petition. Some believe it is a long shot, given the diplomatic protocols and complexities involved in removing a sitting head of state from an ECOWAS chairmanship.
However, others argue that the move could significantly raise the stakes in the Rivers crisis and put pressure on both President Tinubu and ECOWAS to address the concerns raised about democratic backsliding in Nigeria.
The ECOWAS Commission is expected to acknowledge receipt of the petition and deliberate on its content. The coming days will be crucial in determining how the regional body responds and what implications this unprecedented challenge holds for President Tinubu’s leadership and the future of ECOWAS’s commitment to democratic principles in West Africa.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught political landscape in Nigeria and raises serious questions about the intersection of domestic politics and regional leadership within ECOWAS. The world will be watching to see how this unfolding drama plays out.
Tolu Adebayo
Reporter/ Social Media Manager