SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS DEMANDS REVERSAL OF STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS

Governors of the six states in the South-South Geopolitical Zone, under the umbrella of the South-South Governors Forum, have rejected the proclamation of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The position of the South-South Governors was contained in a statement signed by their Chairman and Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, which was made known to newsmen in the state capital, Yenagoa.

The South-South Governors said “To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.”

“In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “The time for dialogue is now,” the statement read.

The Forum observed that the six-month state of emergency but faulted the suspension of the democratically elected governor, deputy governor, and House of Assembly members.

Governor Diri said while the forum recognised the President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order in the country, it was also the mandate of elected officials at state levels to secure peace and stability in their states.

However, Diri said the South-South Governors pointed out that the situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for the declaration of a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the constitution, as amended.

The forum also pointed out that the constitution detailed procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor and similarly for the members of the state House of Assembly.

Governor Diri said the forum believe that the political crisis in Rivers State ought to be ideally resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than by executive fiat.