South-South Govs reject Rivers emergency rule, call for immediate reversal
By Tapre Timine, Bayelsa
The South-South Governors’ Forum has rejected Federal Government’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as unnecessary and calling for its immediate withdrawal.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of the Forum, the governors noted that the current political situation in Rivers does not warrant such a drastic measure, especially as it involves the suspension of two democratic institutions.
While acknowledging the President’s constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order across Nigeria, the governors reminded the Federal Government that they, too, are tasked with ensuring peace and stability within their states.
They referenced Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, pointing out that conditions such as war, external aggression, imminent invasion, or total breakdown of public order are clearly listed as grounds for a state of emergency.
According to them, the political disagreement in Rivers State does not meet any of these criteria.
Furthermore, the Forum drew attention to the constitutional procedures governing the removal of a governor, deputy governor, or members of the House of Assembly, as provided in Section 188 and other relevant sections. It questioned whether these legal guidelines had been properly followed.
To ease tensions and restore democratic order, the governors proposed the immediate reversal of the state of emergency declaration.
They also urged all stakeholders in Rivers State to maintain calm, respect the constitution, and give room for peaceful dialogue.
The statement reads: “1. 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.
“2. 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.
“3. 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.
“4. 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.
“5. 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.
“A PATH FORWARD
“6. To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.
“7. In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of NNigeria.
“8.The moment for dialogue is now.”
