- State of Emergency Declared: President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the lingering political crisis .
- Governor, Deputy Governor Suspended: The Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State have been suspended for six months, as they failed to request the President to issue a proclamation as required by the 1999 Constitution .
- Constitutional Basis: The President’s decision is based on Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which allows for a state of emergency to be declared in exceptional circumstances .
- Implications: The declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of the Governor and Deputy Governor have significant implications for the governance and stability of Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked intense controversy, with many questioning the constitutionality of his actions. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has outrightly rejected the decision, stating that the President has no powers to suspend the democratically elected Governor, Siminalayi Fubara .
The PDP argues that the declaration is an attempt to override the 1999 Constitution and undermine the votes and will of the people of Rivers State. They also point out that the President’s actions are part of a larger plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate the opposition, and impose a totalitarian one-party state.
Key Concerns:
- Constitutional Violation: The PDP and other opposition figures argue that the President’s declaration violates Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires the President to transmit the proclamation to the National Assembly for approval.
- Suspension of Elected Officials: The suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the rule of law.
- Appointment of Administrator: The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as administrator has been criticized as an attempt to impose an unelected individual on the state.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also condemned the state of emergency, calling the governor’s removal “unconstitutional” . The declaration has sparked widespread criticism, with many calling for the President to rescind his decision and respect the democratic institutions of Rivers State.
