The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke the state of emergency imposed in Rivers State and reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara along with his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu.
In a statement issued on Friday, March 21, the forum’s spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, criticized the suspension of elected officials, arguing that the situation did not warrant an emergency declaration.
The state of emergency, declared on March 18, led to the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and all state assembly members for six months. This move, NEF claims, contradicts the constitutional provisions for emergency rule.
Citing Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, NEF emphasized that a state of emergency can only be declared under specific conditions, including:
- War or imminent invasion.
- A breakdown of public order.
- Natural disasters or public danger.
- A formal request from the state governor.
NEF stated:
“It is widely known that none of these conditions were present in Rivers State. The emergency rule appears to be politically motivated, influenced by personal conflicts rather than the public good.”
The group accused the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and a former Rivers governor of fueling the crisis for personal interests.
NEF urged the federal government to seek a lasting solution to the political tension in Rivers State instead of enforcing a temporary and undemocratic measure.
“The president must act swiftly to restore democracy, justice, and public order by lifting the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and state assembly members.”
Additionally, the forum warned against allowing political disputes to escalate in Kano State, where tensions are rising over the traditional leadership of the Kano Emirate.
