Northern lawmakers back Tinubu on Rivers emergency, slam opposition

The Northern Caucus in the House of Representatives has thrown its full support behind President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, dismissing opposition to the move as politically motivated.

Chairman of the caucus, Hon. Ado Doguwa, said in a statement on Thursday that the measure was necessary to curb the destruction of critical infrastructure in the oil-rich state. He accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and unnamed political figures outside Rivers of having knowledge of the alleged sabotage.

Doguwa insisted that the government could not afford to allow “miscreants, hoodlums, and politically motivated thugs” to jeopardise national economic interests by damaging vital assets in the Niger Delta.

“The steps taken by Mr President are timely and constitutionally appropriate. As a legislative institution, we will not allow this declaration to fail,” he said.

He criticised opposition figures challenging the state of emergency, arguing that national security and stability should take precedence over political affiliations.

“The opposition is simply playing politics. While we acknowledge constitutional considerations, we cannot ignore the breakdown of law and order in Rivers State,” Doguwa stated.

The lawmaker accused Fubara’s allies of orchestrating attacks on oil and gas infrastructure, an allegation he said necessitated strong federal intervention.

“What is happening today—the destruction of critical infrastructure—is allegedly being carried out with the conspiracy of the suspended governor and some politically motivated players outside Rivers State,” he claimed.

On behalf of the Northern Caucus, Doguwa reaffirmed their unwavering support for Tinubu’s decision, citing Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency when necessary.

Responding to opposition groups resisting the emergency rule, Doguwa insisted that the legislative institution must act with “moral conscience” and in defence of democratic principles.

“Nigeria is greater than any selfish coalition and its conspiracies. The constitutional proclamation of emergency in Rivers State must stand,” he declared.

The controversy surrounding Tinubu’s move continues to stir political tensions, with critics arguing that the declaration undermines democracy, while supporters claim it is essential to restoring order in the volatile state.