Rivers: South-South Governors Call for Rescission of State of Emergency

South-South Governors Forum has called for rescission of the State of Emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.

South-South Governors in a statement issued by its Chairman, Douye Diri of Bayelsa State said the current political situation in Rivers State does not satisfy the criteria for declaring a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

The Forum while acknowledging President’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order throughout Nigeria, canvassed for strict adherence to constitutional provision.

“It is also worth noting that the Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as detailed in Section 188, and similar provisions exist for the removal of members of the House of Assembly and the dissolution of parliament. In the current situation, it appears that these guidelines might not have been fully considered.” The opined.

They insisted that the political crisis should be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than by executive fiat.

The group in their submission proposed the Rescission of the State of Emergency yo reduce tension and dialogue among warring stakeholders.