The South-South Governors’ Forum has called for the rescission of the State of Emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, saying the political situation in the state does not satisfy the criteria for such action as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

The Forum, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, explained that the 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.

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The Forum further stated 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.

It added that, in the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered.

“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 action,” the statement added.

While recognising the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order in the country, the Forum encourages all parties to remain calm, uphold peace, and respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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