The South-South Governors’ Forum has expressed concern over the recent declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of two democratic institutions, calling for a reconsideration of the decision.
President Bola Tinubu made the declaration on Tuesday owing to the political crisis in Rivers State.
But in a statement signed by its Chairman, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the Forum acknowledged the President’s constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order across the country. However, it questioned whether the situation in Rivers State meets the constitutional threshold for such a declaration.
Citing Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended), the governors noted that a state of emergency should only be declared under extreme circumstances, such as war, external aggression, an imminent invasion, or a severe breakdown of public order.
They argued that the political tensions in Rivers State do not justify the suspension of democratic institutions.
Furthermore, the Forum emphasized that the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor, deputy governor, and members of the House of Assembly under Section 188. They raised concerns that these constitutional provisions may not have been fully adhered to in the current situation.
To de-escalate tensions and promote lasting peace, the South-South Governors’ Forum has urged the Federal Government to rescind the state of emergency and allow constitutional and legal mechanisms to resolve the political dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In the meantime, the Forum called on all stakeholders to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and embrace dialogue as the path forward.
“The moment for dialogue is now,” the governors added.
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