Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria’s South-South region have urged the Judiciary to nullify President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and an overreach of executive power. This appeal follows the National Assembly’s ratification of the President’s decision. In a joint statement released over the weekend and endorsed by more than 16 CSOs across the region, the organizations condemned Tinubu’s proclamation, asserting that it undermines democratic principles and the rule of law. They argued that the President’s invocation of Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution lacked justification and was an outright violation of constitutional provisions. Violation of Section 305 of the Constitution According to the CSOs, Section 305 outlines specific conditions for declaring a state of emergency, including severe threats to national security, public safety, or the state’s existence. However, they insisted that none of these conditions were present in Rivers State, making the Federal Government’s action an excessive use of authority. Rather than pursuing a peaceful and democratic resolution to the political tensions in Rivers State, they accused the Federal Government of adopting an authoritarian stance that threatens constitutional governance. Legislative Complicity and Democratic Concerns The statement further criticized the National Assembly’s role in approving the proclamation. The CSOs highlighted procedural irregularities, such as the Senate’s use of a voice vote and the House of Representatives’ refusal to conduct a headcount, as clear breaches of the constitutional mandate that requires a two-thirds majority from both chambers to validate such a declaration. “We emphasize that the Nigerian Constitution does not authorize the President to remove an elected governor or dissolve a state legislature under any circumstances. If this unconstitutional move is not overturned, it will set a dangerous precedent, threatening democratic governance in other states,” the CSOs stated. Call for Judicial Intervention and Global Awareness The groups are urging the Judiciary to uphold constitutional law by annulling the state of emergency. Additionally, they demand the immediate reinstatement of Governor Sim Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. Furthermore, they are calling on Nigerians and the international community to condemn this violation of democratic governance and resist any attempts to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional order For further insights into Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on states of emergency, refer to Nigeria’s Constitution and State of Emergency Guidelines. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
A heated confrontation unfolded in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as lawmakers engaged in a fiery debate over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. The dispute, which took place shortly before the legislative session commenced, saw Marie Ebikake and Blessing Amadi exchanging verbal attacks over the controversial decision. Ebikake, representing Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa, and Amadi, representing Port Harcourt Two Federal Constituency of Rivers State, engaged in a shouting match, pointing fingers at each other as tensions flared. The disagreement stemmed from President Tinubu’s announcement, which cited prolonged governance paralysis and unresolved political turmoil in the state. President Tinubu’s Declaration and Justification In a nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the instability in Rivers State. He emphasized that the crisis had stalled governance and deprived citizens of effective leadership. Tinubu justified his decision, stating: “I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance. Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did, but their efforts have been to no avail.” Citing the urgent need to restore order, the President announced the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, he appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the interim administrator to oversee governance in Rivers State. Escalating Tensions in Rivers State The emergency declaration followed a series of alarming incidents, including an explosion at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. Earlier that day, a major fire outbreak was reported on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), heightening fears of escalating unrest in the state. Political Fallout and Backlash The emergency rule has sparked outrage among opposition figures, legal experts, and socio-political groups who argue that the decision is unconstitutional. Many critics assert that suspending an elected governor and lawmakers without due legislative process undermines Nigeria’s democracy. PANDEF (Pan Niger Delta Forum) has vowed to release an official stance after analyzing the situation. Similarly, political analysts believe this move may set a precedent for federal intervention in state affairs. External Insight and Analysis Experts warn that the crisis could impact the stability of the Niger Delta region, an area crucial to Nigeria’s oil production. Read more insights from The Guardian on the political dynamics unfolding in Rivers State. Conclusion As the political landscape in Rivers State remains volatile, stakeholders are calling for dialogue to resolve the crisis. The confrontation in the House of Representatives highlights the deep divisions surrounding the emergency declaration. With growing public outcry and potential legal battles ahead, all eyes remain on how the situation will unfold in the coming weeks. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
