The South-South Governors’ Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, arguing that the situation does not meet the legal requirements for such action under the Nigerian Constitution.
In a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the governors referenced Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines conditions for declaring a state of emergency. These include war, external aggression, imminent invasion, a breakdown of public order, threats to national security, or natural disasters. The Forum insisted that Rivers State’s current political crisis does not fall under any of these categories.
The governors also pointed out that the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as outlined in Section 188. Similar provisions exist for removing members of the House of Assembly and dissolving the legislature. They expressed concerns that these processes may not have been followed before the emergency rule was declared.
“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 action,” the statement read.
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s duty to maintain law and order, the governors urged all parties to remain calm and follow constitutional procedures. They emphasized that political disagreements should be settled through dialogue and legal means rather than extreme executive measures.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked debates across the country, with many questioning its necessity and legality. The South-South Governors’ Forum continues to advocate for constitutional governance and due process in resolving the crisis.
