Northern Elders Speak Out: A Message To President Tinubu Over Rivers State Crisis

NEF Calls for Immediate Action: Restore Governance in Rivers State

Listen up, folks. The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) isn’t holding back. They’ve delivered a direct message to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly. This isn’t just a political issue—it’s a matter of democracy and fairness. Let me break it down for you.

As Naija News reported, the House of Representatives and the Senate, in a voice vote last Thursday, gave the green light to President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. But here’s the kicker: the NEF isn’t buying it. They believe the suspension was unjustified and are demanding that both the governor and his deputy be reinstated immediately.

Professor Jika Jiddere: A Voice of Reason

In a statement, NEF spokesperson Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere made it crystal clear. He emphasized that the suspension was not only unfair but also unconstitutional. Let’s take a closer look at the facts. Section 305 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) does indeed give the president the authority to declare a state of emergency. But—and this is a big but—there are specific conditions that must be met. NEF argues that none of those conditions were present in Rivers State.

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Here’s what the constitution says: “The president may, by instrument published in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation, issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof.” Sounds straightforward, right? But there’s a catch. The president can only do this if certain conditions outlined in subsection 3 of Section 305 are met. These include war, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, clear and present danger, disaster or natural calamity, other public dangers, or a request from the Governor of the State. None of these apply to Rivers State, according to NEF.

Personal Vendettas vs. Public Good

The NEF didn’t mince words. They called out what they believe to be the real reason behind the suspension: personal vendettas. They pointed fingers at the President’s serving Federal Minister of the FCT and the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, suggesting that these individuals have been in conflict with the suspended Governor for selfish reasons rather than the public good. This isn’t just about politics—it’s about justice and fairness.

The group warned that suspending elected officials undermines democracy and public trust. They stressed the importance of finding a lasting solution to the political turmoil in Rivers State. As they put it, “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.”

A Broader Warning: Avoid Escalation in Other States

The NEF didn’t stop there. They also cautioned the government against allowing political disputes to escalate in other states. They referenced the ongoing leadership tussle in the Kano Emirate as another issue requiring urgent attention. This is a wake-up call for the federal government to prioritize stability and unity across the nation.

So, there you have it. The Northern Elders Forum is speaking out, and they’re not afraid to call it like they see it. This isn’t just about Rivers State—it’s about the future of democracy in Nigeria. Let’s hope the message is heard loud and clear.