‘Find viable solution’ — northern elders ask Tinubu to reverse emergency rule in Rivers

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has asked President Bola Tinubu to reverse the state of emergency declared in Rivers state.

In a statement signed by Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the spokesperson of the forum on Friday, NEF said while the president is empowered under section 305 of the 1999 Constitution 1999 (as amended) to declare a state of emergency on the federation or any part of it, the situation in Rivers does not warrant the proclamation.

“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 statement reads.

“The maintenance of peace, public order and corporate existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be compromised on personal aggrandizement and should be the primary concern of each Nigerian.

“As such any form of disturbance in any part of the country will have serious negative tendency and impact on the whole country.

“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.”

The forum advised the federal government not to allow the escalation of political disputes in some other places such as Kano, where there has been a tussle in the state’s traditional institution.

The elders advised Tinubu “to resolve political disputes through negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and adjudication”.

They warned that “the naked and brutal abuse of political power can only pose imminent danger to the democratic processes in Nigeria which is currently facing serious numerous challenges”.

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as sole administrator for the state.

On Thursday, the national assembly ratified the president’s decision through voice votes.