Controversy trails State of Emergency in Rivers as experts debate legality, necessity

By Jeleel Olawale, Ile-Ife 

A fierce debate has erupted following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, as political tensions continue to escalate.

During a webinar organised by Nigerian NewsDirect, titled “State of Emergency in Rivers: Restoring Order or Undermining Democracy?” speakers presented divergent perspectives on the legality and consequences of the decision.

Jamiu Olawumi, a former Special Adviser in Osun State, defended the measure, describing it as a crucial step to contain rising violence and political unrest. He attributed the crisis to internal disputes within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), maintaining that Tinubu’s action was not an assault on democracy but rather an attempt to restore stability in the state.

In contrast, former Senator Babafemi Ojudu strongly condemned the emergency rule, labelling it unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent. He argued that the federal government should have explored democratic solutions to address the crisis instead of resorting to emergency governance.

Ojudu also faulted the absence of security autonomy for state governors, asserting that the federal government should be held accountable for the state’s instability.

With opinions deeply divided, the state of emergency remains a highly contentious issue, fuelling a national debate over its implications for governance, democratic principles, and political power struggles in Rivers State.