South South Governors call for reversal of Rivers emergency rule 

The South-South Governors’ Forum has called for the reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State that was declared by President Bola Tinubu.

The statement issued on Thursday was signed by the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State in Yenagoa, the state capital.

It reads , “To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.”

The forum also called for dialogue as a path forward and encouraged all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the country.

The forum noted the six-month state of emergency and suspension of two democratic institutions as recognised the president’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order in the country as well as their mandate to secure peace and stability in their states.

The governors, however, 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.

According to the forum, the political crisis in Rivers State ought to be ideally resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than by executive fiat.