South-South Governors reject the state of emergency in Rivers, accusing FG of unconstitutional overreach. They demand its immediate reversal. Read full details.
The South-South Governors’ Forum has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional, unwarranted, and politically motivated.
In a statement signed by its chairman and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, the forum condemned the suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers, warning that the move sets a dangerous precedent that could threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
The governors argued that the political crisis in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional requirements for declaring a state of emergency. Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, they pointed out, only permits such a move in cases of:
War or external aggression
Imminent invasion
Breakdown of public order beyond police control
Natural disasters or other extreme public dangers
According to the forum, the Rivers crisis is purely political, involving a dispute between Governor Sim Fubara and the House of Assembly, and should be resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than what they described as “executive overreach.”
Furthermore, the governors reminded the Federal Government that the Nigerian Constitution clearly outlines procedures for removing a governor, deputy governor, or members of the House of Assembly. They warned that the suspension of these processes could set a dangerous precedent for other states.
To de-escalate tensions and restore constitutional order, the forum demanded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu immediately rescind the emergency rule in Rivers State.
They also called on all parties involved in the political conflict—Governor Fubara, the Rivers State House of Assembly, and other stakeholders—to pursue dialogue and legal resolution rather than confrontation.
“The moment for dialogue is now,” the statement read, urging calm, peace, and respect for Nigeria’s constitution.
The South-South Governors’ Forum also hinted that if the Federal Government does not reverse its decision, they may take further actions to challenge the legality of the move.
The political tension in Rivers State, fueled by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister Nyesom Wike, has sparked fears of a deeper crisis. The South-South Governors insist that any intervention should be done within the framework of Nigeria’s democratic laws.
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