S/South Govs Disagree With Tinubu, Reps On Emergency Rule
Edith CHUKU
The South-South Governors’ Forum has expressed disagreement with the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as approved on Thursday by the House of Representatives, following the political situation in the state.
The seal of approval for the president’s proclamation came via voice vote during plenary, along with the six-month suspension of the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the assembly, as announced by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement on Thursday, chairman of the forum, Senator Douye Diri, who is also the governor of Bayelsa State, noted that the current political situation in the state does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency.
Quoting section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended) they explained that such a declaration should be considered under conditions like war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or order significant public dangers.
They demanded for the rescission of the state of emergency, in order to reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace.
The statement read: “the South-South Governors’ Forum notes the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a constituent part of our Forum, and the suspension of two democratic institutions.
“We recognise the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as we are equally mandated to securing peace and stability in our states.
“However, 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). 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.
“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.
“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.”
They further encouraged all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, emphasizing that the moment for dialogue was now.
