South-South Governors Urge Tinubu to Reverse State of Emergency in Rivers

Governors from Nigeria’s South-South region call on President Tinubu to lift the state of emergency in Rivers, citing concerns over governance and stability.

The South-South Governors’ Forum has voiced its concern regarding the recent six-month state of emergency declared in Rivers State and the suspension of two democratic institutions, urging a reassessment of this decision.

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu announced this due to the political crisis in Rivers State.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the Forum recognized the President’s constitutional duty to uphold law and order nationwide. However, it raised concerns about whether the circumstances in Rivers State meet the constitutional criteria for such a declaration.

A composite image featuring President Bola Tinubu and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Referring to Section 305(3) of the amended Nigerian Constitution, the governors emphasized that a state of emergency should be declared solely under dire situations like war, external aggression, an impending invasion, or a significant disruption of public order.

They contended that the political tensions in Rivers State do not warrant suspending democratic institutions.

Additionally, the Forum highlighted that Section 188 of the Constitution outlines explicit procedures for removing a governor, deputy governor, and members of the House of Assembly. They expressed concerns that these constitutional provisions may not have been fully followed in this current situation.

To ease tensions and encourage lasting peace, the South-South Governors’ Forum has called on the Federal Government to lift the state of emergency and rely on constitutional and legal procedures to address the political dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Meanwhile, the Forum urged all stakeholders to stay calm, adhere to the rule of law, and engage in dialogue as a way forward.

“The time for dialogue is now,” the governors stated.