NEF rejects Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, calls it unconstitutional

By Adeniyi Yusuf

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the emergency rule declared in Rivers State.

Meanwhile, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has announced the release of withheld local government allocations.

Recall that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for a period of six months.

Also, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retd) as the Sole Administrator for the state.

Reacting to the situation that unfolded over the week, the NEF expressed its displeasure over the recent political developments in Rivers State, which resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

The forum noted the implications of the suspension and the broader impact on the state’s governance and democratic processes.

In a statement obtained by The New Daily Prime, Professor Abubakar Jiddere, spokesperson of NEF, urged the President to immediately reinstate the governor and his deputy.

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) noted that while President Tinubu is empowered under Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) to declare a state of emergency in the Federation or any part of it, they believe the situation in Rivers State did not justify such a declaration.

NEF said that the issue in the state did not meet required laws for emergency rule.

“The president may by instrument published in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof. However, the president can only do so, if and only if, any the conditions stated in subsection 3 of Section 305 actually occurs which includes war, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, clear and present danger, disaster or natural calamity, other public danger, or a request from the Governor of the State.

“It is a public knowledge and indisputable fact that none of these conditions actually happened in Rivers State. Except perhaps for personal vendetta in alliance with the President’s serving Federal Minister of the FCT and the immediate past Governor of Rivers State who has been in personal conflict with the suspended Governor for selfish interests rather than public good.

“The Federal government and the President in particular must find a viable and permanent solution to the political crisis in Rivers State, and also immediately lift the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor and State Assembly to restore the spirit of democracy, justice and public order.”

Citing the case in Kano State where there is a standoff and power struggle within the traditional institution of the Kano Emirate, NEF admonished the federal government to prevent the escalation of political disputes in other states.

The forum stressed the importance of addressing such tensions with caution to avoid further instability in the region.

Meanwhile, in a new development, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (retd) met with the Heads of Local Government Administrators on Friday in Port Harcourt. During the meeting, Ibas assured that necessary steps would be taken to promptly address the payment of workers’ salaries.

He also expressed concern over the delays in salary payments across various local government areas, acknowledging the hardships faced by affected workers.

“I feel the pain of the workers,” he said, assuring them that the withheld allocations had been released and that his administration would ensure that salaries were paid without delay.

Ibas, who warned that financial accountability would be strictly enforced, directed all local government areas to submit their wage bills, supported by relevant documentation, through the office of the Head of Service.

Ibas stated that his administration would not tolerate financial recklessness, vowing to closely scrutinise the handling of public funds and take decisive action against any mismanagement.

He emphasised that good governance is not merely a slogan but a firm commitment to changing the negative narrative in Rivers State over the next six months.

“You must take the lead in ensuring security within your domains,” he urged local government administrators.

Also speaking, Clifford Paul, the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees and Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, acknowledged the developmental progress made in the state despite ongoing political conflicts.

He praised the federal government for appointing the sole administrator, praising his competence and leadership abilities.

Paul pledged his support for peace and stability in the state, urging Ibas to prioritise the welfare of workers.

He also explained that local government workers are currently owed two months’ salaries but expressed hope now that the withheld allocations have been released.