The South-South Governors’ Forum has called for the cancellation of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the governors, the circumstances leading to the declaration do not meet the criteria outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended).
In a statement issued on Thursday, signed by the Chairman of the Forum, Sen. Douye Diri, who is also the Governor of Bayelsa State, the governors emphasized that the political disputes in Rivers State, particularly between the Governor and the House of Assembly, should have been addressed through legal and constitutional means rather than an executive decision.
“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,” the statement reads in part. “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.”
The Forum raised concerns that the situation in Rivers State does not fulfill the constitutional requirements for declaring a state of emergency, citing Section 305(3), which mentions conditions such as war, external aggression, breakdown of public order, or natural disasters.
“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,” the statement continued.
The governors argued that the political issues in Rivers State should be resolved via legal and constitutional channels instead of through executive fiat.
In addition, the South-South Governors’ Forum urged the establishment of a framework for lasting peace to alleviate tensions in the region. They called on all parties to remain calm, uphold peace, and keep avenues for dialogue open.
“To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency. In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace, and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The moment for dialogue is now,” the statement concluded.
