President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to ongoing political conflict, suspending key state officials and appointing a military administrator. This marks the fourth occurrence of such a declaration since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, following similar events in Plateau, Ekiti, and several northern states.
In a recent nationwide broadcast, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to ongoing political turmoil that has persisted since September 2023. The emergency declaration includes the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected officials in the state House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. To manage the state during this crisis, the President appointed retired Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator.
Per the regulations outlined in the 1999 Constitution, specifically Section 305, the President is authorized to declare a state of emergency under certain circumstances. Such proclamations must be documented in the government gazette and presented to the National Assembly for approval. A two-thirds majority is required from the assembly to validate the emergency declaration, safeguarding against potential abuse of executive authority.
Tinubu’s recent action constitutes the fourth instance of a state of emergency declaration by a sitting president since Nigeria’s re-establishment of democracy in 1999. Significant prior occurrences include:
1. Plateau State (2004): In May 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State amidst escalating ethno-religious violence, leading to mass casualties. Major General Chris Alli (retd.) was appointed to restore order, suspending the state governor and assembly.
2. Ekiti State (2006): Emergency rule was imposed in Ekiti State in October 2006 due to a leadership crisis stemming from the contentious impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose. The government appointed Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) as the administrator until stability was achieved.
3. Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013): President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in May 2013 due to the rising Boko Haram insurgency. In contrast to previous situations, governors and state assemblies were not suspended, while the federal government enhanced military presence and established curfews to counter the insurgency.
In summary, President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State highlights the challenges facing Nigeria’s governance structure amidst political crises. This decision, arrived at under the constitutional provisions for emergency rule, emphasizes the importance of checks and balances within the governmental system. Notably, previous states of emergency throughout Nigeria’s recent history exhibit a pattern of governmental intervention aimed at restoring order during periods of unrest.
Original Source: punchng.com
