Ali Elias
The South-South Governors’ Forum has called for the immediate reversal of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the Chairman of the Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the governors emphasized that the emergency rule was unwarranted and urged the federal government to reconsider its decision.
“To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the rescission of the state of emergency,” the statement read.
The forum further advocated for dialogue as the appropriate means to address the political crisis in Rivers State and called on all parties to exercise restraint and uphold the country’s constitutional framework.
“The time for dialogue is now,” the statement continued. “In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace, and respect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order nationwide, the governors argued that the situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional threshold required for such drastic intervention.
“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,” the statement added. “We recognize the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as we are equally mandated to secure peace and stability in our states.”
However, the governors expressed concern that the current political crisis in Rivers State does not satisfy the conditions outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended), which specifies that a state of emergency should be declared only in cases such as war, external aggression, imminent invasion, widespread breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers.
Additionally, the forum highlighted the constitutional provisions governing the removal of elected officials, arguing that these legal pathways should have been followed instead of resorting to emergency rule.
“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,” the statement read. “In the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered.”
The governors insisted that the ongoing political dispute between the Rivers State Governor and the House of Assembly should be addressed through lawful 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 South-South Governors’ Forum’s stance underscores a broader concern about the sanctity of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Nigeria. Their demand for a reversal of the emergency rule suggests that they view the federal government’s action as an overreach that undermines constitutional procedures. While their appeal for dialogue is commendable, it remains to be seen whether the federal government will reconsider its decision or justify the emergency declaration under exceptional circumstances.