Presidency Justifies Tinubu’s Declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State as Constitutional and Necessary

Presidency Justifies Tinubu’s Declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State as Constitutional and Necessary

The Nigerian presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, asserting that the move was both legally sound and crucial for restoring stability in the state……..READ MORE

According to Sunday Dare, the president’s special adviser on media and public communications, the declaration led to the suspension—rather than removal—of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state legislators.

Dare emphasized that Tinubu exercised his constitutional authority to prevent the escalating political crisis from endangering democracy and national security.

In a statement issued on Friday, Dare described the intervention as a constitutionally sanctioned measure taken in the national interest, given that the deteriorating political situation in Rivers State posed a severe threat to governance and stability.

He explained that the failure of conflicting factions to reach a peaceful resolution left President Tinubu with no choice but to act.

“The crisis in Rivers had reached a critical point. Rival stakeholders were unable to resolve their differences, and intervention became imperative to prevent a total breakdown of order,” Dare stated.

He further clarified that Tinubu’s actions were guided by the Nigerian Constitution, which provides the president with options to address dire and emergency situations.

“The president’s decision aligns with his legal and moral responsibility. The Constitution—the foundation of our democracy—outlines the steps to be taken in such urgent circumstances,” he added.

Dare stressed that the president’s decision should be viewed as a temporary measure aimed at restoring order rather than a politically motivated move.

“The key term here is suspension, not removal,” he clarified regarding the status of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly members.

“There is a six-month window for a return to normalcy. It is in this context that we must recognize that the declaration of a state of emergency was the most appropriate, timely, and constitutional step available to the president,” he stated.

Dare also dismissed speculations that the decision was politically driven, reiterating that it was purely a constitutional response to prevent the state from descending into chaos.