President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State in September 2023 amid ongoing political turmoil, marking the fourth such declaration since 1999. Key elected officials were suspended, and a retired Navy admiral was appointed to oversee the administration. This action is rooted in the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, requiring National Assembly approval for validation.
On September 2023, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to an ongoing political crisis. In a nationwide address, he announced the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, the deputy governor, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. Former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) was appointed to oversee the state during this period.
The declaration of a state of emergency is governed by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, allowing the President to enact such measures under specific circumstances. This proclamation must be published in the government gazette and submitted to the National Assembly for validation, requiring a two-thirds majority to ensure checks against potential abuses of executive authority. Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, this marks the fourth instance of emergency rule declared by a sitting President.
Notable previous instances of emergency rule include:
1. Plateau State (2004): In response to increasing ethno-religious violence, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in May 2004, suspending the state governor and assembly, and appointing Major General Chris Alli (retd.) as the administrator.
2. Ekiti State (2006): A leadership crisis following the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose led Obasanjo to impose emergency rule in October 2006, appointing Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) as administrator until stability was restored.
3. Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013): President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in these states on May 14, 2013, amidst the Boko Haram insurgency, deploying additional troops while maintaining the elected officials in power, a deviation from former declarations.
In summary, President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is the fourth instance of such action since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. This move reflects the government’s strategy to tackle political crises and restore order, consistent with historical precedents set by earlier administrations. The constitutional framework ensures oversight and checks against executive power, maintaining a balance in governance during turbulent times.
Original Source: punchng.com
