As President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State continues to elicit varied reactions, a coalition of civil society organizations has publicly endorsed his decision, asserting that it was made in good faith.
Addressing a media briefing on behalf of the Coalition on Friday in Abuja, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, commended President Tinubu’s decision, saying it was guided by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
Nwambu said the declaration represented a “thoughtful and constitutional response” to the pressing political situation, necessitating immediate intervention to restore order, peace, and effective governance.
He said: “As a civil right coalition, we stand in affirming the recent actions taken by President Bola Tinubu, as well as the resolutions passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives concerning the state of emergency in Rivers State.”
Nwambu, the Director General of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness(CCLCA), said Tinubu’s invocation of Section 305 of the Constitution was within his constitutional rights and obligations.
He said: “This provision allows for the declaration of a state of emergency in situations where the government is unable to maintain order or ensure good governance.
“The chaotic political environment in Rivers State necessitated such an extraordinary measure.”
He also attributed the President’s decision to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara’s failure to effectively manage the political crisis in the state.
He said: “The current leadership in Rivers State, represented by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, has not made adequate attempts to address the deteriorating situation.
“Their failure to seek the assistance of the President as mandated in Section 305(5) indicates a lack of readiness and capability to govern effectively.
“It is the duty of the President to intervene when local leaders are unable or unwilling to fulfill their responsibilities to the people.”
He argued that the emergency rule was necessary to restore peace and security, saying “the ongoing unrest and political instability in Rivers State pose significant risks to the safety and security of its citizens.
“A state of emergency provides an imperative framework to restore peace, address the sources of conflict, and create an environment conducive to effective governance.”
As champions of good governance, the Coalition expressed its belief that the declaration is a crucial step towards reestablishing the rule of law, stability, and effective leadership in the state.
He said: “It is our collective responsibility to prioritize the welfare of the people of Rivers state above all political considerations.
“By standing together and supporting this urgent intervention, we can contribute to the restoration of peace and the establishment of a government that truly serves the interests of the citizens.”
The group praised the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Administrator for Rivers State, calling it a strategic move to stabilize the state’s affairs.
The Centre expressed confidence that Vice Admiral Ibas, with his extensive experience, will successfully guide Rivers State towards recovery, prioritizing law and order while upholding justice and governance principles.
Nwambu also acknowledged the assurance that the Rivers State government’s judicial arm will continue to operate independently, ensuring the state’s laws are interpreted and applied impartially.
This, he said, underscores the respect for the rule of law while allowing the necessary interventions in government.
Nwambu said: “We fully support the Senate’s resolution to invoke Section 11 of Section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, empowering the National Assembly to establish a Joint Advisory Committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State during this period.
“This oversight is crucial for ensuring that the interests of the citizens are maintained and that stability is restored.
“We also welcome the Senate’s suggestion to form a committee of eminent Nigerians tasked with reconciling the conflicting parties within the government of Rivers State.
“Such an initiative is essential not only for immediate resolution of the ongoing crisis but also for fostering a more collaborative and effective governance structure in the future.
“The House of Representatives’ affirmation of the state of emergency further reinforces the consensus on the need for urgent intervention.
“We believe that these measures are in the best interest of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.”
Persecondnews reported that President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a major oil-producing state in Nigeria’s South-South region, on Tuesday, March 18.
He also imposed a six-month suspension on Fubara, his deputy, and the state lawmakers, as part of measures to restore stability in the state.
On Wednesday, March 19, Tinubu sworn in retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas as the sole administrator of the state to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored.
Ibas served as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, during the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari.
The crisis that has crippled governance in Rivers State originates from a power struggle between Gov. Fubara and his predecessor and estranged godfather, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
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