The South-South Governors’ Forum has rejected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that the situation does not meet the constitutional requirements for such an action.
In a statement signed by Bayelsa State Governor and Forum Chairman, Senator Douye Diri, the governors acknowledged the President’s responsibility to maintain law and order but insisted that Rivers State does not meet the conditions outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which include war, external aggression, or a total breakdown of public order.
The Forum also highlighted that the Nigerian Constitution provides clear legal procedures for the removal of a Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members—procedures they believe were not fully considered in this decision.
Urging for a constitutional resolution to the crisis, the governors called for the immediate reversal of the state of emergency and encouraged all parties to seek legal and democratic solutions.
