South-South Governors reject Rivers State emergency rule

The South-South Governors’ Forum has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s decision to impose a six-month State of Emergency in Rivers State, arguing that the political situation does not justify such drastic measures.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, the governors acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order but contended that the conditions outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution for declaring a state of emergency had not been met.

“The current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in the Constitution. Such a declaration should be considered only under extreme conditions like war, external aggression, imminent invasion, a breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers,” the statement read.

The governors also emphasized that removing a governor, deputy governor, or members of the House of Assembly must adhere to the constitutional process stipulated in Section 188. They expressed concerns that due process may not have been fully considered before the emergency declaration.

“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,” the Forum noted.

As a resolution, the South-South Governors’ Forum called for an immediate reversal of the state of emergency to de-escalate tensions and restore stability.

The forum also urged all parties involved to remain calm, uphold the Nigerian Constitution, and prioritize dialogue as the best path forward.

“The moment for dialogue is now,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, Jimoh Ibrahim, has stated that the Senate postponed its debate on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu due to the absence of several legislators.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, the senator representing Ondo South explained that many lawmakers were unavailable, with some observing the Ramadan fast and others failing to turn up.

“Tomorrow morning, (this morning) the proclamation will be debated. By then, all members would have been informed. Some are fasting and praying at home. Tomorrow, they will be present, and by 10 o’clock, we will proceed. We are aligned with Mr. President on this matter,” he said.

Ibrahim noted that although 68 senators, along with 10 members of the Senate leadership, were present, meeting the quorum requirement, the debate was deferred to ensure broader participation.

He also addressed concerns regarding Tinubu’s decision, clarifying that the emergency rule was not a complete dissolution of democratic institutions but a temporary suspension aimed at restoring stability.

“The President did not dissolve democratic constitutions; he only suspended them for six months. This period will allow all parties to engage in dialogue, resolve their differences, and restore peace in Rivers State and, by extension, Nigeria,” Ibrahim stated.

The Senate had initially scheduled the debate for Wednesday, but after a delayed plenary session of about two hours, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved to postpone the discussion, citing Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended).

The motion was seconded by Minority Leader Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), and the chamber proceeded with other legislative matters.

The emergency declaration follows heightened political tension and security concerns in Rivers State, with reports of vandalism of oil pipelines and militant threats.

Tinubu, in his national broadcast, cited prolonged instability and constitutional breaches as key reasons for the measure.

The proclamation suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) was appointed as the sole administrator to oversee the state until normalcy is restored.

The Senate requires a two-thirds majority (73 out of 109 senators) to approve the emergency rule. However, concerns remain over whether the required votes will be secured in Thursday’s debate.