● Tonye Okurumo
The South-South Governors’ Forum has expressed strong reservations over the six-month state of emergency declared in Rivers State, describing it as unjustified under Nigeria’s constitutional provisions. The governors, led by Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of the Forum, called for a rescission of the decision, emphasizing the need for constitutional and legal approaches to resolving political disputes.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Forum, Governor Diri acknowledged the President’s constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order across the country but argued that the circumstances in Rivers State did not meet the criteria for such drastic intervention. “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,” he said.
The Forum cited Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended), which specifies conditions that warrant a state of emergency, including war, external aggression, imminent invasion, or a complete breakdown of public order. “The current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy these conditions,” Governor Diri stated, adding that the constitutional framework should not be bypassed for political convenience.
The statement also pointed out that the removal of elected officials, including governors, deputy governors, and members of state assemblies, is clearly outlined in the Constitution. Referring to Section 188, which details the impeachment process, the Forum raised concerns that the proper procedures may not have been fully adhered to before the suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers State.
“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 insisted, stressing the importance of democratic norms and due process.
Calling for a de-escalation of political tensions, the South-South Governors’ Forum urged the federal government to reconsider the state of emergency and allow Rivers State to return to normal governance. “To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the rescission of the state of emergency,” the statement read.
While acknowledging the complexities of the crisis, the governors encouraged all parties involved in Rivers State’s political turmoil to prioritize dialogue over confrontation. “The moment for dialogue is now,” Governor Diri said, emphasizing that political actors must embrace peaceful resolutions in the interest of the state’s stability.
In the interim, the Forum appealed for calm among residents and political stakeholders, warning against actions that could further destabilize the oil-rich state. “We encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace, and respect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to protecting democratic principles and promoting regional stability, reiterating that the resolution of conflicts should be guided by the rule of law. “Democracy thrives when institutions function within their constitutional limits, and any deviation sets a dangerous precedent,” the governors noted.
With mounting concerns over the implications of the state of emergency, political observers are closely watching whether the federal government will heed the South-South Governors’ call for a reversal and encourage a constitutional resolution to the Rivers State crisis. GMTNewsng
