The South-South Governors’ Forum has expressed concern over the recent six-month state of emergency declared in Rivers State, questioning the constitutional basis for the decision.
In a statement issued by Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State and Chairman of the Forum, the governors acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s responsibility for maintaining law and order but insisted that Rivers State’s political situation does not meet the constitutional threshold for such an emergency.
“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,” the statement read.
The Forum pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution specifies conditions under which a state of emergency can be imposed, including war, external aggression, imminent invasion, a breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, or significant public dangers. They argued that the political tensions in Rivers, primarily a power struggle** between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly, should not warrant executive intervention.
Furthermore, the governors emphasised that the Constitution provides a clear process for removing elected officials, including the governor, deputy governor, and legislators. They warned that bypassing these procedures sets a dangerous precedent for Nigerian democracy.
As a way forward, the South-South Governors’ Forum urged the Federal Government to rescind the state of emergency and allow constitutional and legal mechanisms to resolve the crisis.
“In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of NNigeria,” the statement continued.
The Forum also stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving political disputes and urged stakeholders in Rivers State to prioritise negotiation over confrontation.
“The moment for dialogue is now,” the governors declared, emphasising that political stability in the South-South region is crucial for national unity and economic progress.
