The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum condemns President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing it as unconstitutional. They warn this move threatens Nigeria’s democracy and reflects a trend towards political intolerance. The group calls for peace and urges the National Assembly to counter the President’s order, emphasizing the need for adherence to constitutional authority in governance.
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu. The SMBLF criticized the decision as unconstitutional, stating it unjustly terminates a democratically elected administration, citing a lack of thorough investigation into alleged militant threats against the governor.
In their official statement, signed by the leaders of various groups including Afenifere, Middle Belt Leaders Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Pan Niger-Delta Forum, the SMBLF asserted that the grounds for impeachment and the President’s reasons for intervention indicate a rising trend of political intolerance, steering Nigeria towards a potential one-party state. They highlighted the absence of Constitutional authority for the Federal Government to assume control of any state, referencing Section 305 (5) as misapplied by the President.
The SMBLF called on the people of Rivers State and the Niger Delta to abstain from violence in light of these developments. They condemned the dissolution of the State House of Assembly and removal of the elected officials, asserting that the listed impeachable grounds mirrored those cited by the President for his actions. The forum warned of the necessity for public opposition to the intolerance prevalent in the current administration that threatens democratic governance.
Additionally, the forum accused President Tinubu of orchestrating the removal of an elected government to establish a sole administrator subject to Federal Executive Council approval, thereby transferring control of Rivers State to Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers. Importantly, they pointed out that Section 11 (4) of the Constitution permits federal intervention only when a state legislature is unable to operate, but does not authorize the removal of sitting officials.
The SMBLF recalled a previous instance in 2013 when President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in certain states, emphasizing that it was done in consultation with the National Assembly without dismantling democratic structures. They firmly rejected President Tinubu’s rationale that attributes security lapses, like pipeline vandalism, to the state governor, stressing these issues fall under the responsibility of federal security agencies instead.
The SMBLF vehemently criticized the decision to replace the democratically elected government with a military administrator, viewing it as a blatant attempt to deliver Rivers State to the ministerial control of Nyesom Wike. They urged the National Assembly to exercise its powers under Section 305 to overturn what they describe as a draconian decision, cautioning that such actions reflect a menacing echolalia of Nigeria’s past challenges to democratic governance and stability.
In conclusion, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has categorically denounced President Tinubu’s actions concerning Rivers State, decrying them as unconstitutional and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic principles. The SMBLF advocates for robust resistance against political intolerance and urges the National Assembly to reclaim authority to protect democratic governance from what they perceive as a dangerous move towards a one-party state. Their call to action reflects a commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic integrity.
Original Source: punchng.com
