• Tinubu not overbearing, acted in national interest – Presidency
• Ibas vows to complete reconstruction of House of Assembly
• House of Reps says bribery allegation pure fiction
• More kudos, knocks for Tinubu’s emergency declaration
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) yesterday attributed its neutral position on the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State to the need to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests.
Taking positions on contentious partisan issues, the NGF said, would not augur well for it, especially in view of its past experience in fundamental division.
Notwithstanding, the declaration of the state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu yesterday generated more kudos and knocks from across the country.
Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, said the action of the president was meant to ensure protection of lives and restoration of law and order in the state, while the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said his principal was required to “avert needless harm and destruction .”
National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, said Tinubu, by his action, cleared what had manifested as a constitutional crisis in Rivers state.
But former President Goodluck Jonathan saw it from a different perspective.
He described “abuse of office and power by the three arms of government in the country“ as a dent on Nigeria’s image.
The NGF, in a statement by its Director General Abdulateef Shittu, said it is essentially “an umbrella body for sub-national governments to promote unified policy positions and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in pursuit of sustainable socio-economic growth and the well-being of the people.”
It added: “As a technical and policy hub comprising governors elected on different platforms, the body elects to steer clear of taking positions that may alienate members with varying political interests.
“In whatever language it is written, taking positions on contentious partisan issues would mean a poor sense of history — just a few years after the forum survived a fundamental division following political differences among its members.
“Regardless, the Forum is reputed for its bold positions on governance and general policy matters of profound consequences, such as wages, taxes, education and universal healthcare, among others.”
It asked for “the understanding of the public and the media, confident that appropriate platforms and crisis management mechanisms would take care of any such issues.”
State of emergency meant to protect lives, ensure order, says Lado
Senator Lado said the President’s initiative on the Rivers State crisis was “driven by the highest commitment to preserving lives, restoring order and protecting the democratic integrity of our nation.”
He said the timely intervention has reinforced the President’s unwavering resolve to prioritise the security and stability of all Nigerians, regardless of political or ethnic affiliations.
Read Also: Why NGF is silent on Rivers crisis, by DG Shittu
“To the Nigerian people, this action was not just necessary, it was imperative. When a state faces a situation where lawlessness threatens peace, governance and the safety of citizens, decisive measures must be taken.
“The declaration of a state of emergency was not about politics but about protecting innocent lives, ensuring law and order, and preserving the economic and social fabric of Rivers State.
“The Federal Government, through this action, has reassured Nigerians that no part of the country will be left to the forces of chaos and instability.”
Tinubu not overbearing; he acted in the overriding national interest — Dare
On his part, Sunday Dare said: “In times of harsh circumstance and imminent danger, a responsible and dedicated leader is forced into action to avert needless harm and destruction. This is true of the President of a nation, a general in the midst of battle or the community leader who lives next door.
“We all know this as the true law of our political existence and of the human condition. Anyone who feigns ignorance of this fact does so not out of truth but in an attempt to foment further crisis.
“In times of urgent emergency, emergency measures must be taken. If not, trouble turns into calamity. That which is bad becomes even worse and less amenable to solution.
“In the case of Rivers State, turmoil and crisis had taken over. The rival stakeholders could not see their way toward resolution. Something had to be done before all became undone.
“In this case, President Tinubu stepped up as was his moral and legal obligation to do. In this case, the Constitution, the blueprint of our democracy spells out the options before the President in dire and emergency circumstances.”
He faulted criticism that the President over reached himself in imposing the state of emergency.
His words: “The declaration of a state of emergency on Rivers State for six months is well within the stated powers of the President. This is settled by the very wording of the constitution itself and backed by judicial precedents.
“Since the declaration was made, Nigerians have heard legal and political opinions and analyses of different shades. This discourse is healthy for our democracy but cannot substitute for the rule of law and the proper interpretation of our constitution.
“The frenzy by opponents of the President has hit a high pitch. They have placed themselves in opposition to what the law says about the powers and authority of the President because they have previously placed themselves in political opposition to the President.
“The powers conferred on the President in this instance and the will to use it when the situation warrants are the difference between an indecisive leader and a courageous, committed one.The Supreme Court understands this and is very careful in instances such as this.
“According to Prof Kanyinsola Ajayi , we must recall what happened in 1962 in the case of FRA Williams and Majekodunmi on the removal of the Premier of the Western Region.
“Instructively, the Supreme Court said when it comes to matters of emergency, the courts are very cautious and reluctant to query what the President has done. They observed these are matters that are within the exclusive preserve of the President.
“This is because issues of public safety, pubic order, national security and the aversion of calamity are not necessarily objective questions that the court can determine.
“The Securitization theory posits that leaders must act when they perceive, recognise existential threat and during severe threat.
“Securitization theory, developed by the Copenhagen School, posits that security is a social construct, not an objective reality.
“The securitization theory further posits that political issues are constituted as extreme security issues to be dealt with urgently when they have been labeled as ‘dangerous’, ‘menacing’, ‘threatening’, ‘alarming’ and so on by a ‘securitising actor’ who has the social and institutional power to move the issue ‘beyond politics’.
“The deteriorating situation in Rivers State had become an existential threat to both democracy and national interest. The operative word here is ‘suspension’ not ‘removal’. There is a six-month window for the return to normalcy.
“It is in the light below that we must understand that the most appropriate, timely and constitutional option available to Mr. President was the declaration of a state of emergency. Tanimu Y. et al captures it perfectly and I concur:
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers State must be understood—not as a political maneuver, but as a constitutional necessity to prevent the descent into anarchy. His actions, in invoking Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, affirm the fundamental role of the presidency: not as a bystander to disorder but as the ultimate custodian of constitutional integrity and national“
Morka: Blame Fubara for Rivers constitutional crisis
Speaking on Arise TV, Morka said the constitutional crisis that existed in Rivers State until the imposition of the state of emergency was clearly initiated by the now suspended Governor Siminilayi Fubara.
“He (Fubara) not only demolished the assembly, he locked them (Rivers lawmakers) out,” Morka said.
“He froze them in a package and cast them aside as though they didn’t exist; as though our constitution never intended to provide for a legislative body in Rivers State.
“He completely froze their allowances; he froze their allocation and every penny flowing to the assembly.
“Not only that, Governor Fubara slapped democracy in the face by anointing two, three people to be his legislature in preference to a democratically elected institution of the house of assembly in Rivers State.
”He proceeded to govern unconstitutionally, illegally and unlawfully for more than 14 months.”
Morka denied that the President’s intervention created a constitutional crisis, saying that on the contrary, Tinubu’s move has stopped the rot.
His words: “There was a constitutional crisis in Rivers State up until the declaration of the state of emergency.
“And that constitutional crisis was initiated, authored and precipitated by the governor of Rivers State, Governor Fubara.”
We must always do the right thing, says Jonathan
Former President Jonathan said the three arms of government owed it a duty to “strive to do what is right.”
He spoke as chairman of the annual colloquium organised by the Haske Satumari Foundation in Abuja, with the theme: “Promoting social change and development through diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Jonathan said: “As a former President and also from the Niger Delta, when the issue of suspending the Governor of Rivers State came up, I think people called on me, President Jonathan and ex-President Obasanjo to say something.
“People expected us to say something about what is happening. Of course, people don’t even know that traditionally all over the world, former presidents hardly make statements about what the current presidents are doing because of the tension it could create in the country.
“In most cases, look at America, look at everywhere…So, for former presidents to make statements …and of course, what is happening in Nigeria today regarding the situation in Rivers State is like an Indian proverb that says that if somebody is sleeping, really sleeping, you can easily wake up that person.
“But if that person is pretending to sleep, you find it difficult to wake up that person.
“The key actors in Nigeria, from the executive to the legislature, judiciary and the Senate and others are here.
“And the judiciary, they know the correct thing to do. But they are refusing to do it.
“They are pretending to sleep, and waking such a person is extremely difficult because the person knows the right thing, a clear abuse of office and clear abuse of power cutting across from the three arms of government, from the executive to the parliament and the judiciary.
“And I always plead with our people that whatever we do affects everybody, and sometimes we do things and we think that it doesn’t affect us.
“Why is it that our passport is not valued that much? Why is it that Nigerians are not given the kind of treatment we’re supposed to receive at international airports?
“Sometimes, we think it’s because of ‘yahoo’ boys or 419. Not only them. Yes, they are part of the problem, but whatever happens in the country, decisions that are taken by the executive arm of government, decisions that are taken by the parliament and judicial decisions affect everybody.
“For example, no businessman can bring his money to invest in a country where the judiciary is compromised, where government functionaries can dictate to judges what judgment they will give.
“No man brings his money to invest in that economy because we are taking a big risk. So whatever we do affects everybody, and if we want to build a nation where children are grandchildren will live, no matter how painful it is, we must strive to do what is right.
“It may cost us, but we must end the…and pay the price to insist on doing what is right.
“Whether you are holding an executive office as a president, a minister or a governor, or a civil servant, an executive, whether you are holding an office in the parliament, Senate or House of Representatives, whether you are a judicial officer at the High Courts or appellate courts, we must strive to do what is right if we want to build a nation that our children would be proud of.”
Housing minister blasts Kwankwaso over position on Rivers
Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, criticised the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for faulting President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Ata told Kwankwaso to keep his opinions to himself as the president’s decision was taken in the best interest of Rivers people and for national stability and security.
The minister, in a statement signed by his Publicity Aide, Seyi Olorunsola, praised Tinubu for being proactive in addressing national issues while demonstrating that he is attuned to the concerns of Nigerians.
“The declaration (state of emergency) was necessary in order to maintain law and order in Rivers State, which has been embroiled in prolonged political turmoil.
“For the records, President Tinubu acted within the confines of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants him the authority to enforce emergency measures while ensuring proper legislative oversight within the stipulated time-frame.
“Any state facing prolonged instability should take heed and address its internal issues.
“Kwankwaso has a flawed understanding of law and governance. He should focus his energy on resolving the ongoing crisis within the Kano Emirate Council, which has been exacerbated by him through his political protégé – Governor Abba Yusuf.”
The minister accused Kwankwaso of fostering a culture of political intimidation, particularly in his dealings with state lawmakers during his tenure as governor of Kano State.
NPSA blames Fubara, Wike for Rivers crisis
Political scientists, under the aegis of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), asked the suspended Rivers State Governor Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Wike to tread the path of peace to avoid prolongation of emergency rule in the state.
In a statement, NPSA’s National President Prof Hassan Saliu said the two men “are culpable and must be made to realise that their actions or inactions have brought about the emergency rule in the state.”
The association called for “a thorough examination of the legal instruments behind the declaration to ensure its constitutionality, avoid administrative trials and respect the rights of all, especially law-abiding citizens, during the emergency rule; pursuit of diplomatic efforts to render an extension of the declaration unnecessary and restore constitutionality in Rivers State and recognition that political dominance has an expiry date.
It also advocated prioritization of peace in Rivers State, as it is in the self-interest of all parties involved.
Reps debunk allegations of $5,000 inducement to members over state of emergency in Rivers
The Deputy Spokesman of House of Representatives, Hon Philip Agbese, has debunked allegations that each member was induced with $5,000 dollars to ratify President Tinubu’s request on the proclamations of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
Agbese told reporters in Abuja yesterday that the allegation was false, malicious and emanated from “the pit of hell.”
He said the resolution of the House on the State of Emergency declaration in Rivers was done out of patriotism and in the interest of restoring lasting peace to River State.
Agbese said: “The allegation that members of the House of Representatives were induced with $5,000 to pass a resolution is unfair to the Parliament. Very, very unfair to the parliament.
“What we did on Thursday was to align ourselves with what I call the wisdom of King Solomon.”
“All insinuations that any individual was given money to give to members is nothing but lies from the pit of hell. The opposition should see the good things that we are doing day and night for the country.
“At no point did members of the House engage in any financial inducement in relation to the state of emergency declaration.
“The decision was taken after extensive deliberations on the security and political situation in Rivers State, in line with our constitutional responsibilities to safeguard national stability.
“Any suggestion that lawmakers were bribed is pure fiction, designed to serve the interests of those who seek to distort facts and create unnecessary tension in the country.
“The House of Representatives remains an independent institution guided by democratic principles, the rule of law and the collective will of the Nigerian people.
“Our duty is to make decisions that align with the national interest, not to succumb to baseless distractions aimed at eroding public trust.
“The allegations of bribery are a desperate attempt to discredit the House and must be dismissed as the political comedy that it is.”
Third Republic HoR forum backs Tinubu’s intervention
The Third Republic House of Representatives Members Forum expressed its full support for President Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers State, emphasising the necessity of his actions to restore stability.
National Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Adzer Abya, commended the President and the National Assembly for their efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the turmoil that has persisted in the state since the beginning of the 10th Assembly.
The President’s imposition of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, the Forum stated, was a strategic move to prevent further deterioration and ensure a fair resolution within the six-month period stipulated for the emergency rule.
The Forum noted that neither the Governor, with only three active lawmakers in a 30-member House, nor the defected members, acting against constitutional provisions, could effectively govern, thereby creating a governance crisis.
The Forum praised the President’s decision as a “bold and historic step” that prevented a situation akin to the Western Region crisis of the 1960s.
Cross River govt backs emergency rule in Rivers, disowns South-South govs’ position
Cross River State Acting Governor Peter Odey has disassociated himself from the statement said to have been issued by the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, opposing the state of emergency in Rivers State.
Odey noted that he was neither consulted nor was his opinion sought before the issuance of the statement.
“The position of the forum does not reflect the views of the Government of Cross River State, which fully aligns with the decision of Mr. President, taken in the best interest of national security, peace, and stability,” he said.
“Every responsible government must prioritise the protection of lives and property, and where circumstances necessitate decisive action, such measures should be supported for the greater good of our democracy and national unity.
“Cross River State remains committed to upholding constitutional governance and will continue to collaborate with the Federal Government in ensuring peace, security, and stability across the country.”
Ibas vows to complete Rivers House of Assembly Complex project
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), yesterday inspected the State House of Assembly Complex now under construction.
He pledged to get it completed before the expiration of his six-month tenure.
Ibas advised the contractor handling the project to speed up work and deliver it as mutually agreed.
He insisted that part of his mandate included restoring full and effective legislative activities in the state.
The project was awarded to Monier Construction Company (MCC) Limited and work has advanced on the facility that has 34 offices on a two-storey building with an elevator, gallery, meeting rooms and conference hall.
Ibas, who was accompanied by the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, was conducted round the site by the General Manager of MCC, Engr Omaka Oko.
The Sole Administrator explained that in the last two days of assumption of duties, he noticed a missing pillar in the state governance structure, and was determined to ensure that there was a place for effective legislative activities after six months.
Ibas said: “I have been at the executive arm of the state governance structure and one of the pillars that is missing for now is the legislature and for them to function effectively, they also need a place to work from.
“And perhaps, I am yet to be sure that work is going on as expected, so that by the end of the six months, this place will be ready for those who need to use it. I think basically that is what it is.”
The former building was demolished by the suspended governor in the heat of his disagreement with the 27 state lawmakers on the side of FCT Minister Wike.