YENAGOA, Nigeria — The South-South Governors’ Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to rescind his declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, arguing that the political crisis in the state does not justify such a drastic measure.
In a statement signed by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, the forum’s chairman, the governors expressed concern over the suspension of elected officials and urged the President to respect constitutional processes.
The statement acknowledged the President’s constitutional role in maintaining law and order but emphasised the need to respect the authority of state governors to ensure peace and stability within their jurisdictions.
“The South-South Governors’ Forum expresses concern that the current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended),” the statement read.
It added, “This section suggests that such a declaration should be considered under specific conditions like war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers.”
The forum highlighted that the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of elected officials, including governors and members of the state House of Assembly.
“It is also worth noting that the Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as detailed in Section 188, and similar provisions exist for the removal of members of the House of Assembly and the dissolution of parliament. In the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered,” the governors stated.
They argued that the political disputes in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly should be resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than executive intervention.
“We believe that the political disputes in Rivers State between the governor and the House of Assembly should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat,” the statement said.
The governors proposed an immediate end to the emergency rule as a step towards lasting peace and called on all parties to respect the Constitution.
The South-South Governors’ Forum’s intervention adds to the growing opposition to the emergency declaration, which has been criticised by stakeholders, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing the prolonged political crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The President suspended Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state House of Assembly, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
