South-South Governors Reject Emergency Declaration In Rivers, Call For Rescission

The South-South Governors’ Forum has condemned the six-month declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an overreach of executive power.

In a statement signed by chairman of the forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the forum expressed concerns that the current political situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional criteria for declaring a state of emergency.

The governors argued that the Constitution outlines specific procedures for removing a governor and deputy governor, as well as dissolving the House of Assembly, which may not have been followed in this case.

They emphasized that political disputes should be resolved through legal and constitutional means, rather than executive fiat.

The forum proposed the rescission of the state of emergency and encouraged all parties to remain calm and uphold the constitution.

They also called for dialogue, stating that “the moment for dialogue is now”.