On April 30, 2025, a coalition of Nigerian legal professionals, operating under the banner "Lawyers in Defence of Democracy," staged a peaceful protest at the United States Embassy in Abuja. The demonstration was in response to President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state's House of Assembly.

The lawyers contended that the federal government's actions were unconstitutional and undermined the democratic process. They called upon the international community, particularly the United States, to exert pressure on the Nigerian government to reverse the emergency rule and reinstate the suspended officials.

In a formal letter addressed to U.S. President Donald Trump, the group emphasized the urgency of restoring democratic governance in Rivers State and criticized the National Assembly for endorsing the emergency declaration.

The protest highlights growing domestic and international concerns regarding the state of democracy in Nigeria. Legal experts and civil society organizations continue to advocate for adherence to constitutional principles and the protection of democratic institutions.