The South-South Governors’ Forum has urged the Federal Government to reverse the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The governors expressed concerns over the rising tensions in the state and emphasized the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the crisis.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, called for the immediate rescission of the state of emergency.
The forum believes that reversing the emergency measure will help reduce tensions and create a foundation for long-lasting peace in the region.
The statement read, “To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.
” The forum also emphasized the importance of dialogue, urging all parties to remain calm and work together for the sake of the nation’s unity.
The South-South Governors recognized the president’s constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order. However, they argued that the situation in Rivers State does not meet the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.
The governors also acknowledged the president’s duty to secure peace and stability in the country but pointed out that declaring a state of emergency should only be considered when the situation meets specific constitutional thresholds.
The governors’ position is that the current political unrest in Rivers State does not warrant such a drastic measure.
In their statement, the South-South Governors reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
They encouraged all parties involved to focus on peaceful negotiations rather than resorting to violence or further escalating the situation.
“The time for dialogue is now,” the forum stated, calling for a national conversation to resolve the political issues in Rivers State and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State came after a series of political tensions and violent incidents, including pipeline vandalism and explosions at key oil installations.
The emergency rule also led to the suspension of key democratic institutions, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly.
While some view the move as necessary to restore order, others, including the South-South Governors, argue that it undermines the democratic process and may fuel further unrest in the state.
As the political standoff continues, many are questioning whether the emergency rule will achieve its intended goals or exacerbate the challenges already faced by Rivers State.
As the South-South Governors push for dialogue and the reversal of emergency rule, the political future of Rivers State hangs in the balance.
The situation remains volatile, and it is unclear whether the Federal Government will heed the governors’ call for peaceful negotiations or continue with the state of emergency.
The next few days could be critical in shaping the path forward for Rivers State, as all stakeholders must carefully consider the impact of their actions on the state’s stability and the broader unity of Nigeria.
