The South-South Governors’ Forum has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, condemning the decision as unconstitutional and unwarranted. In a statement released on Thursday, the forum expressed deep concerns over the suspension of key democratic institutions in Rivers, including the Governor and the State House of Assembly, and called for the immediate rescinding of the emergency declaration.
The forum, which represents governors from Nigeria’s South-South region, emphasized that the political situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional requirements for the declaration of a state of emergency. The governors noted that such declarations are only justified under specific and extreme conditions, including war, invasion, or a significant breakdown of public order, none of which they believe apply to the current situation in Rivers.
In their statement, the South-South Governors’ Forum highlighted the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, particularly Section 305, which governs the conditions under which a state of emergency may be declared. According to the governors, the criteria outlined in the Constitution do not apply to the current political dispute in Rivers State, making the president’s action both unnecessary and unconstitutional.
Section 305(3) of the Constitution outlines that a state of emergency can only be declared in cases of war, external aggression, invasion, or other significant public dangers. The forum stated that the political disagreements within Rivers State, though serious, do not warrant such an extreme measure. They pointed out that the state’s issues should be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than through presidential overreach.
Furthermore, the governors drew attention to Section 188 of the Constitution, which outlines the process for removing a governor and deputy governor. This process involves the state legislature and must follow specific legal steps, none of which, according to the forum, have been fully considered or followed in this case.
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a deepening political dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly. The disagreement reached a breaking point, culminating in President Tinubu’s controversial decision to declare a state of emergency and suspend the governor, deputy governor, and members of the state assembly.
While the President has justified the move as necessary for restoring order, the South-South Governors’ Forum argues that the crisis is a political one and should be addressed through the proper legal channels. They emphasized that resorting to a state of emergency bypasses the constitutional processes designed to handle such disputes and undermines the democratic structures that Nigerians have worked hard to establish.
In their statement, the governors also stressed that the current situation in Rivers is not unique, and similar political tensions exist in other states across the country. They warned that using a state of emergency as a tool for resolving political disputes could set a dangerous precedent, potentially eroding the democratic framework in Nigeria.
In an effort to de-escalate the situation and promote lasting peace in Rivers State, the South-South Governors’ Forum has called for dialogue among all parties involved. They urged the federal government, state authorities, and political actors in Rivers to work together to find a peaceful solution that respects the rule of law and upholds the principles of constitutional governance.
“We believe that the political disputes in Rivers State should, ideally, be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat,” said the statement. The forum also urged all parties to remain calm and peaceful, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in resolving conflicts.
The governors have proposed that the state of emergency be rescinded immediately, allowing for a return to normal governance in Rivers State. They expressed their commitment to ensuring the peaceful resolution of the crisis and called on all Nigerians to support efforts aimed at maintaining stability and unity in the country.
The South-South Governors’ Forum represents the six states in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, including Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers. This forum has historically played a key role in advocating for the interests of the region, particularly on issues related to oil and gas resources, environmental protection, and political stability.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who serves as the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, has been particularly vocal in his criticism of the federal government’s actions in Rivers. Diri, along with his colleagues, has called for greater respect for constitutional processes and for the protection of the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State.
The forum’s rejection of the state of emergency declaration is seen as a significant development in the ongoing political saga in Rivers State. It reflects the concerns of many regional leaders who fear that the federal government’s intervention could further exacerbate the political crisis and create a dangerous precedent for future governance in Nigeria.
The South-South Governors’ Forum’s position also highlights broader concerns about the balance of power between the federal government and state governments in Nigeria. While the President has the constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order, the forum’s statement underscores the importance of respecting the autonomy of state governments and the need to uphold democratic principles.
The South-South governors have expressed hope that the federal government will reconsider its decision and engage in a process of dialogue with the people of Rivers State. They argue that Nigeria’s democratic institutions must be protected from executive overreach and that all political disagreements should be resolved through legal and constitutional means.
“This is not just about Rivers State; it is about the future of Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement concluded. The South-South Governors’ Forum’s call for a peaceful and constitutional resolution to the crisis in Rivers is seen as a crucial moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to balance federal power with state autonomy and democratic governance.
