The Chairman of the Northern Caucus in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ado Doguwa, has strongly defended the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, asserting that the action is necessary to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure and ensure national security. The Kano-born lawmaker dismissed the opposition’s criticisms of the declaration, calling them politically motivated and undermining of the country’s laws and constitution.
In a statement released on Thursday in Abuja, Doguwa highlighted that the federal government, together with the legislative body, cannot afford to allow lawlessness and political violence to continue, especially when it threatens the country’s economic stability. According to Doguwa, the violence in Rivers State, particularly the destruction of critical assets in the oil and gas sector, is allegedly being orchestrated by the suspended Governor Sim Fubara and external political forces.
The State of Emergency in Rivers State was declared by President Tinubu earlier this month in response to escalating violence and widespread destruction of key infrastructure in the region. Doguwa noted that the destruction of oil and gas facilities, which are vital to Nigeria’s economy, poses a significant threat to national security and the country’s economic growth.
Doguwa, who also represents the Kano State in the House, stressed the importance of upholding the Constitution of Nigeria in such matters. “In view of the ongoing discourse on the State of Emergency in Rivers State, we are compelled to state clearly that the steps taken by Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are apt, timely, and constitutionally appropriate,” he said. He further emphasized that the legislative institution would not allow the President’s constitutional declaration to fail.
He also took aim at the coalition of opposition party leaders who have condemned the declaration. Specifically, Doguwa responded to criticisms from the opposition parties, including the Atiku Abubakar-led coalition, which has denounced the emergency as a political move. According to Doguwa, the opposition’s condemnation is grounded in political motives and does not reflect the true constitutional and national interests of Nigeria.
“The opposition is simply trying to make this a political issue,” Doguwa said. “While we are not insensitive to the constitutional implications involved, we cannot ignore the breakdown of law and order in Rivers State, which is putting the entire nation at risk. We will not sit back and allow miscreants, hoodlums, and politically motivated thugs to continue destroying critical national assets.”
Doguwa alleged that the destruction of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta is being carried out with the involvement of certain political figures, including the suspended Governor Sim Fubara. He claimed that Fubara and other political interests outside the state were conspiring to undermine the stability of the region for personal or political gain.
He went on to reiterate the Northern Caucus’s firm support for the State of Emergency, declaring that they are in full alignment with President Tinubu’s decision. “On behalf of the Northern Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives, I would like to state that we are in total support of the State of Emergency declared by Mr. President,” Doguwa said. “This is in the discharge of his constitutional powers as clearly stated in Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Doguwa’s statement marks a clear position within the legislative branch, affirming their stance in support of the President’s actions, which are aimed at restoring order and protecting the nation’s economic and security interests.
The lawmaker also responded to the accusations from the opposition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who heads a coalition of political leaders. The coalition has raised concerns over the timing and implications of the emergency declaration, accusing the government of using it to suppress political opposition.
Doguwa rejected these accusations, stressing that the legislative branch’s primary responsibility is to protect Nigeria’s democratic principles and uphold the Constitution. He also reminded critics that Nigeria’s legal framework and democratic ideals should always come before any political or partisan interests.
“The legislative institution of our country is guided by our moral conscience, commitment to protecting democratic ideals, and respect for our supreme legal document,” he said. “Nigeria is indeed greater than any selfish coalition and its conspiracies. The constitutional proclamation of emergency in Rivers State must stand.”
This latest development has intensified the debate surrounding the State of Emergency in Rivers State, with the opposition continuing to voice concerns over its potential misuse for political gain. However, Doguwa’s statement indicates that the ruling party and its allies in the legislature are determined to see the declaration upheld, citing the importance of restoring order and addressing the alleged sabotage of critical national assets.
Rivers State, which is home to one of Nigeria’s key oil-producing regions, has been grappling with a series of security challenges, including attacks on oil installations, kidnappings, and violent clashes between political groups. The Niger Delta, where Rivers State is located, is vital to Nigeria’s oil production, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s revenue.
The ongoing unrest in the region has raised concerns about the security of oil facilities, which are crucial to the country’s economy. The government’s response, through the declaration of a State of Emergency, is aimed at curbing the escalating violence and restoring stability to the region. However, the move has sparked a political standoff, with opposition parties arguing that it could be used as a tool for political repression.
The situation in Rivers State has put the federal government under pressure to find a lasting solution to the ongoing unrest, and the State of Emergency is seen as one of the most significant measures to address the crisis. With the legislative backing of the Northern Caucus and the President’s constitutional powers behind the decision, the government remains firm in its resolve to tackle the violence and protect national interests.
As the political battle continues, the eyes of the nation remain focused on how the situation in Rivers State will evolve and whether the declaration of emergency will be successful in restoring peace to the region. The outcome will likely have lasting implications for Nigeria’s political landscape, especially as the 2025 elections approach.
