WATCH THE VIDEO HERE THE South-South Governors’ Forum has called for the reversal of the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. In a statement released today and signed by the forum’s chairman, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the governors emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and restore lasting peace. “To ease tensions and lay the groundwork for enduring stability, we advocate for the rescission of the state of emergency,” the statement read. The forum also stressed the importance of dialogue and urged all parties to remain calm, uphold peace, and adhere to constitutional principles. “The time for dialogue is now,” it stated, encouraging stakeholders to seek a resolution through peaceful and legal means. While acknowledging the president’s constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order, the governors expressed concerns that the current situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional criteria for a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution. They further noted that the constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor, deputy governor, and members of the state House of Assembly, which should be followed instead of executive intervention. “The ongoing political disputes in Rivers State should be resolved through legal and constitutional channels rather than executive fiat,” the statement concluded.
South-South govs call for reversal of Rivers state emergency rule
