The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has asked President Bola Tinubu to reverse the state of emergency declared in Rivers state.
In a statement signed by Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the
spokesperson of the forum on Friday, NEF said while the president is empowered
under section 305 of the 1999 Constitution 1999 (as amended) to declare a state
of emergency on the federation or any part of it, the situation in Rivers does
not warrant the proclamation.
“Except perhaps for personal vendetta in alliance with the
President’s serving Federal Minister of the FCT and the immediate past Governor
of Rivers State, who has been in personal conflict with the suspended Governor
for selfish interests rather than public good,” the statement reads.
“The maintenance of peace, public order and corporate
existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be compromised on personal
aggrandizement and should be the primary concern of each Nigerian.
“As such any form of disturbance in any part of the country
will have serious negative tendency and impact on the whole country.
“The Federal Government and the President in particular must
find a viable and permanent solution to the political crisis in Rivers State,
and also immediately lift the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor and
State Assembly to restore the spirit of democracy, justice and public order.”
The forum advised the federal government not to allow the
escalation of political disputes in some other places such as Kano, where there
has been a tussle in the state’s traditional institution.
The elders advised Tinubu “to resolve political disputes
through negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and adjudication”.
They warned that “the naked and brutal abuse of political
power can only pose imminent danger to the democratic processes in Nigeria
which is currently facing serious numerous challenges”.
On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers
and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as sole administrator for
the state.
On Thursday, the national assembly ratified the president’s
decision through voice votes.
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