The south-south governors’ forum has urged President Bola Tinubu to rescind his emergency rule declaration in Rivers state.
In a statement, the group argued that the political crisis
in the state does not justify the proclamation of a state of emergency.
On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of
emergency in Rivers over the protracted crisis.
He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state;
Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and members of the house of assembly.
In a statement signed by Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa and
forum chairman, the governors said the suspension of elected officials in
Rivers was a drastic measure.
They acknowledged the constitutional role of the president
in maintaining law and order but implored that the constitutional role of
governors to ensure peace and stability in their states be respected.
“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),” the statement reads.
“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.”
The forum said the constitution provides clear procedures
for the removal of elected officials.
“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,” they added.
“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.”
The governors proposed an immediate end to the emergency
rule as a step towards lasting peace and called on all parties to respect the
constitution.
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