President Bola Tinubu has lauded the National Assembly for “its decisive and patriotic ratification” of the emergency rule proclamation in Rivers State.
He said the move was a critical step to restoring stability after a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance in the oil-rich state and endangered national economic security for over 15 months.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the president’s reaction in a statement he signed on Thursday, titled, “President Tinubu salutes National Assembly for patriotic stand on Rivers State emergency proclamation.”
The President specifically commended the National Assembly’s leadership for “prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers State people above partisan interests and other considerations.”
He further acknowledged the lawmakers’ diligent review of classified security briefings, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.
“The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023,” Tinubu remarked.
He continued, “As I detailed in my address to the nation on March 18, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation.
“This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability.”
The President affirmed that the six-month emergency would empower the newly-appointed sole administrator to stabilise Rivers, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.
“Today’s decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the action of leaders.
“We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria—one where every citizen’s potential is safeguarded and nurtured,” he said.
Lawmakers shun opposition
The lawmakers at the two chambers of the National Assembly shunned the opposition leaders by supporting the President on the emergency rule.
Addressing a press briefing in Abuja earlier on Thursday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar admonished the federal lawmakers not to approve Tinubu’s action in Rivers.
Atiku, who spoke on behalf of other opposition leaders, said, “We call on patriotic senators and representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval.
“The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to legitimise an unconstitutional power grab.”
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, also admonished the National Assembly to prioritise the interest of the people of Rivers State when considering the state of emergency.
Obi made the call in an open letter to the leadership of the legislative body on Thursday, urging them to prevent potential tyranny and ensuring that the executive branch operates within the bounds of the law.
Obi also asked lawmakers elected on the platform of the Labour Party to reject the emergency rule.
“Since your inauguration as distinguished, and honourable members of the National Assembly, I have refrained from interfering in your legislative affairs out of respect for your independence and to allow you to focus on alleviating the suffering of the Nigerian people.
“However, at this critical juncture — following 26 years of a deteriorating democratic process marked by disregard for educational qualifications for electoral positions, massive rigging, and now the unconstitutional removal of elected officeholders — I find it necessary to address you.
“I urge you to stand as true defenders of justice. Do not participate in or support any action, decision, or vote that compromises the integrity of our democracy, undermines the interests of the people of Rivers State, or contradicts our core values of fairness, equity, and transparency.”
Also, the South-South Governors’ Forum called for a reversal of the emergency proclamation in Rivers State.
The forum stated this in a seven-point resolution in a statement signed by its Chairman and Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, on Thursday.
The forum, in a statement, said while the President has the constitutional powers to declare a state of emergency, the political crisis in Rivers State did not warrant such an action as enshrined in the constitution.
The forum noted that Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended) suggests that the declaration of a state of emergency should be a resort in cases of war, external aggression, looming invasion, breakdown of law and order, natural disasters, among others.
The forum said the situation in Rivers was not irredeemable and urged parties involved to reconsider dialogue to chart a more reasonable way forward.
“To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the rescission of the State of Emergency.
“In the meantime, we encourage all parties to remain calm and uphold peace and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The moment for dialogue is now,” the forum said.
A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche, however, said the emergency rule prevented an imminent anarchy and bloodbath in Rivers State.
He observed that the protracted crisis had taken a toll on governance and the socio-economic prosperity of the state.
Nwuche advised the political actors in the crisis to use the opportunity created by the emergency rule to peacefully resolve their differences and de-escalate the tension in the state.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
