President Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, marking the fourth declaration since 1999. This follows significant political unrest and involves the suspension of key state officials, with a former naval chief appointed as administrator. The constitutionally mandated process requires National Assembly approval, reflecting checks on executive power. Previous emergency declarations occurred in Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), and Borno/Yobe/Adamawa (2013).
President Bola Tinubu recently declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to a prolonged political crisis beginning in September 2023. In his address, he announced the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. Tinubu has appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), as the administrator to oversee the state during this time.
The declaration aligns with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the President authority to impose a state of emergency under specified conditions. This proclamation must be documented in the government gazette and submitted to the National Assembly for validation, requiring a two-thirds majority to prevent executive power abuse.
Since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, this emergency declaration represents the fourth instance by a sitting President. Notable previous declarations include:
1. Plateau State (2004): In May 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo imposed emergency rule due to increased ethno-religious violence, suspending the state governor and assembly and appointing Major General Chris Alli (retd.) as administrator.
2. Ekiti State (2006): Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in October 2006 following a leadership crisis due to the impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose. Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was assigned as administrator to restore order.
3. Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013): On May 14, 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared an emergency in these states due to escalating Boko Haram violence. This action was unique as it did not suspend the governors; instead, it involved troop deployment and curfews to combat the insurgency.
In summary, President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency in Rivers State signifies the ongoing political instability in Nigeria, reaffirming the constitutional requirements for such actions. This event adds to a history of emergency rulings dating back to 2004. Each instance highlights different underlying causes, from ethno-religious violence to leadership crises and insurgent threats, demonstrating the complexities of governance in Nigeria post-1999 democracy.
Original Source: punchng.com
