The South-South Governors' Forum has expressed deep concern over the recent declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, calling into question the constitutional basis for the decision and urging a return to dialogue and legal processes to resolve the ongoing political crisis.

In a strongly worded statement signed by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who chairs the Forum, the governors acknowledged the President's constitutional duty to maintain law and order across Nigeria. However, they argued that the current political situation in Rivers State does not meet the threshold for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

The Constitution stipulates that a state of emergency may be declared under specific conditions, such as war, external aggression, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, existential threats to the nation, natural disasters, or other significant public dangers. The Forum emphasized that the political disputes between the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly do not align with these criteria.

The governors also raised concerns about the suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers State, noting that the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor, deputy governor, or members of the State House of Assembly under Section 188. They suggested that these constitutional guidelines may not have been fully considered in the current situation.

"The political disputes in Rivers State should ideally be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat," the statement read.

A Call for Rescission and Dialogue

The Forum proposed the rescission of the state of emergency as a critical step toward reducing tensions and establishing a foundation for lasting peace. They urged all parties involved to remain calm, uphold peace, and adhere to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"The moment for dialogue is now," the statement emphasized, underscoring the need for constructive engagement to resolve the crisis.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the Forum's commitment to securing peace and stability in the South-South region, while urging the Federal Government to reconsider its approach to the crisis in Rivers State.