Governors Demand Reversal Of State Of Emergency Declaration In Rivers
The South-South Governors’ Forum has demanded that President Tinubu revoke the state of emergency he declared in Rivers State.
The demand was made in a statement issued on Thursday, signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, in Yenagoa.
It reads , “To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.”
The forum also called for dialogue as a path forward and encouraged all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the country.
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“In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The time for dialogue is now,” the statement read.
The South-South Governors’ Forum acknowledged the six-month state of emergency and the suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers State.
While recognizing the president’s duty to maintain law and order, they also emphasized their own mandate to ensure peace and stability in their respective states.
However, the governors argued that the situation in Rivers State does not meet the requirements for a state of emergency as defined in Section 305(3) of the amended constitution.
They also highlighted the constitutionally defined procedures for removing a governor, deputy governor, and members of the state House of Assembly.
The forum asserted that the political crisis in Rivers State should be resolved through legal and constitutional channels, rather than by executive order.
The statement read in part, “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.”
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