The South-South Governors’ Forum says the political situation in Rivers did not deteriorate to require emergency rule, considering the provisions of Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.
The forum’s chairman, Governor Douye Diri, said this in a statement on Wednesday.
Mr Diri said section 305(3) stipulated that such a declaration of a state of emergency should be considered under specific conditions like war, external aggression, and imminent invasion. He added that the conditions also included the breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers.
According to him, 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.
He noted that “similar provisions exist for the removal of members of the House of Assembly and the dissolution of the parliament.’’
Mr Diri stated that these guidelines might not have been fully considered in the Rivers case.
The Bayelsa governor said the South-South governors noted the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, a constituent part of the forum, and the suspension of two democratic institutions.
“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.
“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,” stated the Bayelsa governor.
Mr Diri added, ‘’As a path forward to reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, the South-South Governor’s Forum proposes the rescission of the state of emergency.
“In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
(NAN)
