South-South Governor’s Forum Opposes President Tinubu Declaration Of Emergency Rule In Rivers State

By, Promise Imoh.

As the crisis battling Rivers State continues coupled with the current situation at the government House, The South-South Governor’s Forum has strongly opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a “State Of Emergency” in the oil-rich state, noting that it will rather result to more crisis than solving them. 

This was revealed in a statement signed by the Chairman, South-South Governor’s Forum, His Excellency Sen. Douye Siri, Governor Bayelsa state. 

Douye emphasized that it is the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order in the country, just as they are mandated to maintaining and ensuring peace and stability in their states. 

Expressing concern over the current political setback in Rivers State, Douye noted that it is not a yardstick or basis for a declaration of a state of emergency following section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution. In his words

“It is worth noting that the constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor as detailed in section 188, and similar for the removal of House of Assembly and dissolution of parliament. In the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered. 

“We believed that the political dispute in Rivers State between the governor and the House of Assembly should ideally be resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than executive fiat”. He said 

Speaking further, the South-South Governors called for an immediate cancellation of the State of Emergency decree while urging all parties to remain calm and peaceful.

“To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the rescission of the state of emergency. Meanwhile we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria”. The chairman said.

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on 19 March, 2025 inaugurated Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas CFR (Rtd) as Sole Administrator of Oil rich River State. Recall that Parliamentvanguard had reported that the Nigerian President in view of the political unrest in Rivers State between the Executive and Legislative organs of government on 18 March, 2025 invoked section 305 of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution as amended to lay a sledge hammer proclamation of Emergency rule leading to suspension of the Governor, Sim Fubara, Deputy, Ngozi Odu and all Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.