The South-South Governors Forum under the leadership of Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri has rejected the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Instead, the forum is calling for avenues to allow legal and constitutional means to resolve the issues.
Diri in a statement stated that the Forum recognised the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, just as governors are equally mandated to securing peace and stability in their states.
It pointed out that the Forum believes 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.
‘’ 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,’’ Diri stated in the statement.
According to him, 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 has therefore recommended that to reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the reversal of the State of Emergency.
The Forum in the meantime encouraged all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and be open to dialogue.
