By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The South-South Governors’ Forum has issued a statement expressing concern over the recent declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. The state of emergency, which includes the suspension of two democratic institutions, has raised questions among the forum’s members regarding its constitutional grounds.
In the statement, the forum acknowledged the constitutional duty of the President to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, as well as the governors’ shared responsibility to ensure peace and stability within their respective states. However, the forum expressed concerns that the current political situation in Rivers State does not meet the criteria outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution for the declaration of a state of emergency. The Constitution specifies that such a declaration should occur only in extreme circumstances, such as war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, or natural disasters, among others.
The South-South Governors’ Forum also noted the provisions within the Constitution for the legal and constitutional removal of a governor, deputy governor, or members of the House of Assembly. They emphasized that these procedures should be followed, rather than resorting to executive measures like the state of emergency.
In light of these concerns, the forum called for the rescission of the state of emergency in Rivers State, suggesting that the ongoing political disputes between the Governor and the House of Assembly should be resolved through legal and constitutional channels.
“We believe that dialogue is crucial at this moment,” said His Excellency Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum. “We urge all parties involved to remain calm, uphold peace, and respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The forum’s statement concluded with a call for dialogue, urging all parties to work towards peaceful and constitutional solutions for the issues in Rivers State.