The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a “dictatorial” and “unconstitutional” move.
In a statement signed by leaders including Oba Oladipo Olaitan of Afenifere, Dr. Bitrus Pogu of the Middle Belt Forum, Senator John Azuta Mbata of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Ambassador Godknows Igali of PANDEF, the SMBLF argued that the grounds for the emergency declaration mirror the impeachment notice issued by the Rivers State House of Assembly, which they believe is part of a larger political conspiracy.
“The grounds contained in the Notice of Impeachment of the Governor and his Deputy published by the Rivers State House of Assembly a day before are to all intents and purposes deliberate rehearsals of the reasons given by the President for his unconstitutional take over of the Government of Rivers State,” the SMBLF stated.
The group criticized President Tinubu for terminating a democratically elected administration based on “flimsy grounds,” such as threats from militants without investigating the Governor’s alleged involvement.
They emphasized that the Constitution does not allow the federal government to take over a state government under such circumstances, except when a state legislature is unable to function.
The SMBLF urged youths in Rivers State and the Niger Delta to avoid violence and called on Nigerians to resist the growing culture of intolerance under the current administration, which they believe is pushing Nigeria towards a one-party state.
They also recalled that during the insurgency in the North East, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency without dismantling democratic structures, contrasting this with President Tinubu’s actions in Rivers State.
“We urge the National Assembly to countermand this despotic order and restore democratic governance in Rivers State,” the SMBLF concluded.
