Category: Politics

  • EMERGENCY: Rivers Women go spiritual, say Tinubu ill-advised

    EMERGENCY: Rivers Women go spiritual, say Tinubu ill-advised

    PORT HARCOURT: Women in Rivers State have condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state, turning to God for intervention.

    Hundreds of women from the 23 local government areas, under the aegis of Women Unite for Sim, gathered at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt for a prayer session, expressing regret that the state would be placed under a Sole Administrator.

    Speaking at the event, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, one of the group’s leaders, said the women have been praying for peace and security in Rivers State, trusting that God would intervene.

    Semenitari said: “We have been praying for the judgment of God on all who desire evil for Rivers State, and we have been praying for peace upon all who desire it.

    “As human beings, we feel disappointed because we want our governor to govern without encumbrances. However, we also know that God reigns over the affairs of men, and nothing happens without His knowledge, notice, or permission.

    “We believe the president seeks the good of Nigeria—we would like to believe that—but it is up to him to prove us right or wrong. We hope his actions are in the best interest of Rivers State and Nigeria.

    “Our governor has urged us to remain peaceful, and we will follow his directive. Governor Siminalayi Fubara has asked his supporters to be peace-loving and to avoid any acts of violence.

    “So, if the governor has said so, we should all abide by it and continue lifting our eyes to the Lord God Almighty, Jehovah Sabaoth, believing He will act for the people of Rivers State.”

    The former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) said President Tinubu acted on poor advice but maintained that the women would not allow their voices to be silenced.

    Semenitari added: “I believe the presidency was ill-advised in this move. I don’t think it was well thought out. But then again, the president has a broader view of the situation, and I do not.

    “Rivers people must continue to trust in God, pray, and remain peaceful and law-abiding.

    “However, we must not allow our voices to be silenced. We must speak up—peacefully—and continue urging those in power to put Rivers first.”

    Also speaking, Nollywood actress Hilda Dokubo described the crisis as a battle for the economic soul of Rivers State, calling on President Tinubu to bring Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to order.

    Dokubo said: “For the first time, we have seen that our riverine terrain is not an obstacle to development. Roads are now connecting riverine communities, and civil servants are being paid, including a 13th-month salary.

    “The economy is picking up, so why kill it again? That’s what they want to do—this is a fight for the economic soul of Rivers State. Someone wants to seize it.

    “This is not about all the drama with Siminalayi.”

  • There’s pending litigation on our revoked property – PDP

    There’s pending litigation on our revoked property – PDP

    ABUJA: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that there is an ongoing court case concerning its property, which was recently revoked by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He said, “There is a pending court case regarding the ownership of the property, with suit number CV 1363-17. The case was filed in 2017 between NICON Insurance Limited and the following defendants:

    “The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is the first defendant in that case.

    “The second defendant is the Peoples Democratic Party. It is curious that the minister, who is a party to the ongoing litigation, is now revoking the same property. Here is the document.

    “The last court hearing was on February 10, where the minister was represented by his lawyers. Yet, about a month later, the same property is being revoked despite the case still being in court.

    “This shows that the issue goes beyond just revocation; there are other underlying matters at play. The next hearing is scheduled for May 5, and the case is still ongoing.”

  • Tinubu appoints Akin-Olugbade NISO chairman, Bello as MD

    Tinubu appoints Akin-Olugbade NISO chairman, Bello as MD

    ABUJA — PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has appointed executive and non-executive board members for the newly established Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO.

    A statement issued by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga explained that Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade is the board chairman, while Engineer Abdu Mohammed Bello has been appointed Managing Director.

    According to the statement, the President also appointed four Executive Directors: Engineer Nafisatu Asabe Ali for Systems Operation, Engineer Shehu Abba-Aliyu for Systems Planning, Dr. Edmund Eje for Market Operations, and Mr. Babajide Ibironke for Finance and Corporate Services.

    The Non-Executive Directors include Engineer Lamu Audu, representing Generation; Mrs Folake Soetan for Distribution; Mr Tajudeen Giwa-Osagie as Market Expert; Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz for Transmission, and Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Power.

    The National Council on Privatisation, NCP, will finalise the recruitment process.

    The statement further said: “These appointments align with the Electricity Act of 2023 and followed a memorandum from Vice President Kashim Shettima and a rigorous selection process conducted by the Independent Board Nomination Committee (IBNC) in collaboration with Phillips Consulting Limited.

    “The creation of NISO fulfils a key mandate of the Electricity Act (2023), which requires the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) into a Transmission System Provider (TSP) and an Independent System Operator (ISO).

    “The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) officially established NISO on April 30, 2024. The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) are its subscribers, each holding equal equity shares.”

  • No justification for a state of emergency in Rivers – Senator Dickson

    No justification for a state of emergency in Rivers – Senator Dickson

    Senator Seriake Dickson has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, insisting that the move lacks justification and undermines democratic principles.

    Speaking on PrimeTime with Arise TV, the former Bayelsa governor described the decision as shocking and ill-advised.

    “As a committed democrat, I was shocked when the president’s proclamation was read, and I immediately released a statement to condemn it,” he stated.

    Dickson argued that while there are concerns in Rivers, they do not warrant such an extreme measure. He also cautioned that a state of emergency does not require the suspension of the governor, deputy, or state lawmakers.

    “I have been making calls to ensure this incident is not misinterpreted as an ethnic clash between the Ikwere and Ijaw people. Leaders across all divides must see it for what it is—a political issue,” he warned.

    The senator also expressed doubts over the level of consultation before the proclamation, stressing that it contradicts the principles of constitutional democracy.

    “The President knows the key actors, yet whatever step he took appears insufficient. Suspending elected officials is like igniting a nuclear bomb in a constitutional democracy,” he added.

    While acknowledging that Section 305 of the Constitution allows for a state of emergency, he questioned whether the legal conditions had been met.

    “Even if they are fulfilled, it does not automatically imply the suspension of the governor or lawmakers,” Dickson concluded.

  • Senate receives Tinubu’s letter, moves to debate on state of emergency in Rivers

    Senate receives Tinubu’s letter, moves to debate on state of emergency in Rivers

    ABUJA- THE Senate has admitted receiving Communication from President Booa Tinubu on the six-month suspension that he slammed on Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State.

    The Senate has however moved the debate on the letter to 3 pm.

    Though the motion was slated as the first matter to be discussed in today’s Order paper and when it time, the leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central stood and cited Order 1( b) of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 as amended that the next item should be discussed instead of the letter. He was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, PDP, Benue South.

    Thereafter, the second item in the Order Paper was taken.

    It is the Confirmation of the Nominations of Appointment as Members of the Police Service Commission (PSC) by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Abdulhamid, Mallam-Madori, APC, Jigatwa East.

    In presenting his report, he said, “That the Senate do Receive and Consider the Report of the Committee on Police Affairs on the confirmation of the nominations of the following persons for appointment as Members of the Police Service Commission (PSC).”

    Prior to the consideration of today’s plenary session on the motion which was the first in the Order Paper, plenary did not commence at 11 am as indicated in the Standing as the time for commencement of the day’s plenary session, the prayer session took place at 12.41 as soon as the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio came barely two minutes before the prayer session.

    Thereafter, there was a standstill as the session after prayer did not Continue until he commenced with approval of votes and proceedings at 1.05 pm.

    President Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

    In a national broadcast, Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the extraordinary measure.

    The crisis, which had paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

    As part of the directive, the President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored. Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Details later…

  • Declaration of state of emergency in Rivers was inevitable – Ex-PANDEF spokesperson

    Declaration of state of emergency in Rivers was inevitable – Ex-PANDEF spokesperson

    The immediate past Publicity Secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Convener of Concerned Citizens of Rivers State, Dr. Ken Robinson, has described President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as an inevitable decision.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, Robinson expressed hope that the president’s intervention would bring an end to the crisis that has plagued the state.

    “Unfortunately, the declaration of a State of Emergency on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu, and the subsequent measures taken by him were both imperative and inevitable,” he stated.

    He further emphasized that the decision was necessary to prevent further chaos, safeguard lives and property, and protect the national economy from potential disruptions.

    “This action has, we hope, put an end to the unnecessary crisis and averted the potential loss of innocent lives and property in the state, as well as threats to our national economy and security,” he added.

    Robinson recalled that in December 2023, the Concerned Citizens of Rivers State had called for peace and reconciliation among the warring factions following the president’s second intervention. However, he lamented that their efforts were met with resistance from those with vested interests in the conflict.

    “Look at where we are today. Those who should feel ashamed are the individuals in influential positions who could have provided constructive advice to resolve the situation but instead chose sides and exacerbated it,” he stated.

    He prayed for the swift restoration of peace and stability in Rivers State, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the interests of the people over political disputes.

  • Rivers: No law allows president suspend a governor — Falz

    Rivers: No law allows president suspend a governor — Falz

    Nigerian rapper and activist Falz has reacted to President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend its governor.

    On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the emergency measure, citing political unrest in the oil-rich state.

    The directive included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.

    Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the period.

    Reacting via his Twitter page, Falz expressed his disagreement with the decision, arguing that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the president the power to suspend an elected governor.

    “There is ABSOLUTELY NO LAW that allows a president to SUSPEND a governor. A Governor is elected into office and may only be removed by impeachment,” he wrote.

    The rapper further questioned whether the situation in Rivers State justified such drastic action.

    “Is Rivers State at war? Is there an actual breakdown of public order? Is there a threat to the existence of the Federation?” Falz asked.

  • State of Emergency: We‘ll engage with relevant institutions – Rivers Govt vows

    State of Emergency: We‘ll engage with relevant institutions – Rivers Govt vows

    The Rivers State government has pledged to engage with relevant institutions to address the ongoing political crisis following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.

    The Honorable Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, made this known in a statement issued on behalf of the state government.

    Addressing the people of Rivers State, the commissioner reassured citizens of the government’s commitment to upholding constitutional order and maintaining peace in the state. He emphasized that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has consistently acted within the framework of his constitutional oath and has prioritized the safety and well-being of Rivers residents.

    Following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the political dispute, the state government implemented the agreed resolutions in good faith, including reinstating commissioners who had previously resigned. Additionally, immediate steps were taken to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to restoring normalcy.

    However, Johnson lamented that despite these efforts, some political actors, particularly members of the Rivers State House of Assembly allegedly influenced by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have continued to frustrate peace and stability in the state. He expressed disappointment that while the governor was removed, the minister, whom he described as a key player in the crisis, was left untouched.

    The commissioner assured the public that despite political disagreements, governance in Rivers State remains on track. He highlighted that salaries have been paid, developmental projects are ongoing, and the state remains safe and secure under the current administration.

    “At this critical time, we urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive,” the statement read.

    Reaffirming the resilience of the people of Rivers State, Johnson called for patience and faith in the democratic process, assuring citizens that the government will continue to work in their best interests.

    The state government has vowed to take all necessary steps to protect lives and property while fostering unity and progress amidst the unfolding political situation.

  • Full text: President Tinubu’s broadcast declaring state of emergency in Rivers

    Full text: President Tinubu’s broadcast declaring state of emergency in Rivers

    Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.

    With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.

    Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the  House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.

    On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:

    “a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”

    The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected

    “are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members”

    The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy.  These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.

    Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.

    Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.

    Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.

    The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

    With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

    In the circumstance,  having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th  March, 2025 and I so do.

    By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

    In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

    The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

    This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

    Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.

  • Tension as Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers

    Tension as Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers

    PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, yesterday, wielded the big stick yesterday to resolve the two-year political crisis ravaging Rivers State by declaring a state of emergency.

    In a 1003-word nationwide broadcast, the President suspended the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

    He appointed formwer Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, retd, as administrator, and the appointment is subject to the confirmation of the National Assembly.

    Vanguard exclusively reported, yesterday, that a neutral person could be appointed to administer the state as a solution to the lingering problem.

    With the development, Rivers has become the sixth state, after Plateau, Ekiti, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, to witness state of emergency since the return of democratic rule in 1999.

    Also, Rivers became the third state after Plateau and Ekiti to have their governors, deputies and legislators suspended during the emergency rule.

    Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states’ governors were in the saddle during the emergency rule in the three states.
    Declaring the state of emergency yesterday, Tinubu said: ‘’Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development, with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.

    ‘’With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state.
    ‘’The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.

    ‘’Also, it is public knowledge that the governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as December 13, 2023, and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same.

    ‘’I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought and patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.

    ‘’On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it, pronounced in very clear terms:

    ‘’A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case, the head of the executive arm of government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is, there is no government in Rivers State.

    ‘’The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the governor) in cohorts with four members

    ‘’The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.

    ‘’Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them. Apart from that, both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.

    ‘’Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governanc

    e of the state. The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today, there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them.

    ‘’I have, of course, given stern orders to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines. With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

    ‘’In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the governor and deputy governor of Rivers State, having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today (yesterday) March 18, 2025 and I so do.

    ‘’By this declaration, the governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

    ‘’In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, retd, as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

    ‘’The administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

    ‘’This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the constitution.

    ‘’It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.’’

    Lawyers, Atiku, George, others fault declaration

    President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State yesterday drew the ire of senior lawyers, and political stakeholders who described the development unacceptable.

    They include human rights activist, Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN; Kunle Edun, SAN; Evans Ufeli; 2023 presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar; and former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George.

    It’s premeditated, part of a script— Adegboruwa

    Reacting to the development yesterday, Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN, said the state of emergency was uncalled for, adding that there was no basis for the President’s decision.

    His words: “It is uncalled for, there is no basis for the declaration of a state of emergency because some issues have already been resolved by the Supreme Court, while others are being looked into. Looking at the facts, the state of emergency is premeditated and part of a script.
    “In Osun State, there is crisis over local government issues and no state of emergency has been

    declared. The same thing in Benue State where there is crisis between the executive and judiciary, no state of emergency has been declared. In Lagos State, where you had two speakers, no state of emergency has been declared.
    “There is no basis for it and I urge the President to rescind his decision and allow democracy to work in Rivers State. This is not to support the governor or the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, but the state of emergency is uncalled for.”

    Tinubu lacks power to suspend Fubara, deputy, others —Edun

    On his part, Kunle Edun, SAN, said: “The provisions of Section 305 relied upon by President Tinubu does not empower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to remove or suspend elected state officials.
    ‘’Section 305(3) of the Constitution prescribed the grounds upon which a state of emergency can be declared and none of the reasons alluded to by the President justifies the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

    ‘’As a matter of fact, under section 305(4) the Governor of a State supported with a resolution of 2/3 majority of the members of the House of Assembly may request the President to declare a State of Emergency on any part of the state.

    “The Supreme Court has already settled the issues causing the crisis in the state and the House of Assembly has started sitting. As a matter of fact, Governor Fubara was at the House of Assembly complex to present the 2025 budget in response to the demand of the Rivers’ State House of Assembly. ‘’So, Mr. President was very wrong to say there was no longer a functional government in Rivers State simply because the House of Assembly complex was demolished.

    “Furthermore, the Constitution has already provided remedial provisions to take care of situations where a House of Assembly is unable to perform its legislative functions. Section 11(4) of the Constitution provides that at any time a House of Assembly is unable to perform its functions by reason of situations prevailing in that state, the National Assembly may make law for the peace, order and good government of that state, with respect to matters which the House of Assembly has power to make laws until such a time the House is able to resume its functions.

    “ The proviso to section 11(4) is very apposite to understand the limitations of the power of the President. The proviso provides that the intervention of the National Assembly by virtue of its powers under section 11(4) shall not confer on the National Assembly the power to remove the governor or deputy governor of the state.

    ‘’Therefore, the Constitution is clear that there is no power conferred on any authority to remove or suspend a governor, the deputy or the House of Assembly of a state during a period of state of emergency. As a matter of fact and clear law, the President violated his oath of allegiance to protect, defend and abide by the provisions of the constitution.

    “A State House of Assembly cannot be suspended by the President. Rather, it is the National Assembly that has the constitutional power to take over the legislative functions of a state. Therefore, the Constitution did not envisage a situation where a state will be without a legislature at any time.”

    It’s a bold step but Wike should be removed —Enikuomehin

    However, another legal practitioner, Dr Benson Enikuomehin, commended President Tinubu for the move, which he described as a bold step.

    Enikuomehin, however, urged the president not to spare the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike for allegedly sponsoring the crisis in the State.

    He said: “I commend Mr. President for taking the bold step in declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State owing to the palpable tension looming in the State.

    “While the governor, deputy governor and the House of Assembly have been suspended for six months, I am of the strong view that the man in the engine room, promoting and sponsoring the crisis in the state, Mr. Nyesom Wike, should not be spared in the ignoble roles he has played in the Rivers crisis. Let him be relieved of his post as a minister.

    ‘’This is what will bring all the parties to their knees and a reasonable man will feel that justice has been served.”

    Suspending Rivers Assembly, an overreach—Ufeli

    Another lawyer, Evans Ufeli, said: “The political tension and crisis in Rivers State has reached a state of ‘clear and present danger’ which represents the ground under which a state of emergency must be declared.

    ‘’By this term of reference, President Tinubu has rightly declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. The action is, however, not completed; the President has published the same in the National Gazette and transmitted it to the National Assembly, in compliance with section 305 of the 1999 constitution as amended.

    ‘’The National Assembly must within two days act on same by giving its concurrence to it before the process can become valid in the eyes of the law.

    “A State of Emergency is more like an equitable remedy targeted at restoring peace to a country or any part thereof in the face of a clear and present danger. The purpose of this is both preventive and curative, largely for the continuous peaceful habitation of a nation, to restore peace and tranquility in times of chaos, and to promote regular and peaceful co-existence of all states and nations of Nigeria. The President suspended the State House of Assembly together with the governor and that is controversial because the same can be challenged. I am not a fan of Rivers State House of Assembly but there’s an overreach there. Can the President suspend the State House of Assembly?”

    It’s uncald for —Bode George

    Also reacting last night, Chief Bode George faulted the President’s declaration, urging him to rescind it.
    George said: “I am shocked, this has never happened in this country and there is a procedure where the Supreme Court has made a pronouncement on how a state of emergency can be declared. This is armageddon and I urge the President to rescind his decision because this is totally uncalled for.

    “This is absolute armageddon. Total disrespect for constituted authority. The Constitution has been viciously violated. We can’t keep quiet. This is recklessness of the highest order. What did Fubara do? As the Commander-in-Chief, you gave Wike soldiers and security agents to try to destabilise Rivers State.
    ‘’The governor does not have powers over any security agency. Like a gentleman that he is, he kept his cool. Nobody has told me what the governor did to warrant this dictatorial emergency rule.

    “What type of democracy is this in 2025? This is how it started in 1962 and 1983. This is a dress rehearsal of what Tinubu wants to do in 2027. APC wants to get all states through unconstitutional means.
    “This state of emergency is absolute balderdash. Did he get the approval of the National Assembly before his broadcast? What happened in Rivers before today was the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob.

    “Why didn’t he declare a state of emergency in Lagos when the lawmakers were fighting? Why? Why did he invite Diete-Spiff and Niger Delta leaders last week when he knew where he was going? Is Tinubu now becoming a civilian dictator?”

    It’s political, in bad faith — Atiku

    In like manner, Atiku Abubakar described the declaration as political manipulation done in outright bad faith.

    Atiku, who stated this in a post on his Facebook page yesterday, said: “Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers. His blatant refusal — or calculated negligence — in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful.

    “Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk.
    “Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent.

    “It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger-Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability — undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations.
    “If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility. Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and Tinubu’s enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”