The movement accused the federal government of violating Sections 188 and 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outline the legal process for removing elected officials.

The Take It Back (TIB) Movement, Rivers State Chapter has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, describing it as an illegal coup against the people.

In a statement released on Wednesday, jointly signed by the group's Coordinator, Amaniye King Amaniye; General Secretary Damiete Erekosima; and Publicity Secretary Andy Akpotive, the movement denounced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as unconstitutional.

The movement accused the federal government of violating Sections 188 and 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outline the legal process for removing elected officials.

According to TIB, the conditions necessary for declaring a state of emergency—such as war, invasion, or a total breakdown of public order—do not exist in Rivers State. 

The group further argued that even if there were security concerns, the law requires the National Assembly to ratify such a declaration within two days if it is in session or 10 days if it is not, making Tinubu’s decision unlawful.

The movement also called on the National Assembly to reject the proclamation, for civil society groups to take legal action, and for international bodies to hold the Nigerian government accountable.

TIB vowed to continue mobilising resistance against what it termed an "assault on democracy," urging Rivers’ residents and Nigerians to defend their democratic rights.

The statement reads in part, "The Take It Back Movement, Rivers State Chapter vehemently condemns the illegal and tyrannical declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announced on March 18, 2025. 

"This desperate and undemocratic manoeuvre to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is an outright assault on the rule of law and a vile attempt to crush the will of the people.

"Let us be very clear: The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in Section 305, grants the President the power to declare a state of emergency only under clearly defined, extreme circumstances, including war or external aggression. Imminent danger of invasion or war.

"A total breakdown of public order and safety beyond ordinary legal measures. A clear danger to Nigeria’s existence. Disaster or natural calamity affecting a state. Any other severe public danger threatening the Federation.

"The current political situation in Rivers State does not meet any of these constitutional thresholds. Even if there were legitimate security concerns, Section 305(2) requires that the proclamation of a state of emergency must be ratified by the National Assembly within two days if in session or 10 days if not. Anything short of this is invalid and unconstitutional.

"What President Tinubu has done is nothing but a coup against the people of Rivers State. This unlawful suspension of a democratically elected government is a blatant violation of Sections 188 and 305 of the Constitution, which outline the procedures for removing elected officials. It is a brutal attempt to silence the voices of Rivers people and seize control of a state under false pretences.

"The Take It Back Movement, Rivers State Chapter, therefore, makes the following demands without apology or compromise: immediate revocation of the illegal state of emergency and full reinstatement of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

"A public commitment from the National Assembly to reject any attempt to ratify this unconstitutional proclamation; swift and decisive legal action by the judiciary and civil society; organisations to hold those responsible for this abuse of power accountable.

"Condemnation from the international community, demanding Nigeria's government respect the rule of law and democratic principles. We will not stand by while our democracy is desecrated by power-hungry politicians.

"We will not accept the illegal suspension of elected officials under the fraudulent guise of ‘emergency.’ This disgraceful attack on the people’s mandate is a call to action for all true patriots of Nigeria.

"The Take It Back Movement, Rivers State Chapter will continue to speak, mobilise, and resist until this injustice is overturned. We call on the good people of Rivers State, civil society groups, human rights activists, and all freedom-loving Nigerians to rise and defend our democracy. We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated. Democracy must prevail!"