•Say, Crisis Not Ripe For Such Declaration
By Maureen Dick
THE South-South Governors’ Forum have condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, by President Bola Tinubu and urged him to rescind his decision.
The forum in a statement signed by its chairman and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, said the president has not exhausted all constitutional channels and was hasty to make the declaration.
According to the South-South governors, there are constitutional outlines specific for the removal of a governor, the deputy and members of the state House of Assembly.
“The South-South Governors’ Forum notes the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, a constituent part of our Forum, and the suspension of two democratic institutions.
“We recognise the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as we are equally mandated to securing peace and stability in our states.
“However, 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). 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.
“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.
“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.”
To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, the forum proposed the rescission of the state of emergency.”
The forum added: “In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”