The South-South Governors’ Forum has said that the political climate in Rivers does not warrant the imposition of emergency rule, in light of the stipulations outlined in Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution.

Senator Douye Diri, the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Bayelsa State, made this statement on Wednesday during a press briefing in Port Harcourt. He emphasized that Section 305(3) specifies that a declaration of emergency should only be made under certain circumstances, such as war, external aggression, or imminent invasion.

Diri further explained that the criteria also encompass the breakdown of public order, existential threats to Nigeria, natural disasters, or other significant public hazards. He pointed out that the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor, as outlined in Section 188.

He pointed out that similar regulations apply when members of the House of Assembly are removed and the parliament is dissolved. Diri expressed concern that the current situation may not have fully adhered to these established guidelines. He noted the six-month state of emergency declared in Rivers, A forum member has been suspended, as well as two democratic institutions. Diri underlined the President’s constitutional responsibilities to preserve law and order throughout Nigeria, as well as the Forum’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability among its member nations. He went on to say that the political difficulties in Rivers State between the Governor and the House of Assembly should be settled legally and constitutionally rather than by executive order.

To ease tensions and to ensure that there is peace, the South-South Governor’s Forum suggests lifting the State of Emergency. “In the meantime, we urge all parties to stay calm, maintain peace, and respect the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated. Diri stated that the ‘’moment for dialogue is now.’