Declaration Of Emergency Rule In Rivers Unconstitutional — SDP

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expressed great shock and apprehension over declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State and suspension of democratically elected governor and the state legislature by President Bola Tinubu.

National Publicity Secretary of SDP, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba who made the party’s position known described President Tinubu’s decision as unconstitutional, and not well-thought out in the larger interest of the Nigerian state.

Aiyenigba called on the National Assembly to act in true national interest by taking a dispassionate look at the matter, which is of utmost national importance, and deny the action of requiste approval.

“Having taken a critical look at the underlying issues and the reason adduced by the president for the declaration, we have come to the conclusion that the decision is unconstitutional, and not well-thought-out in the larger interest of the Nigerian state.

“Considering that what we have in Rivers is a political crisis, it is an action that conflicts with true public interest and is considered an assault on, and a suspension of democracy in the state, which is at variance with the intendments of the provisions of Section 305 of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as ammended.

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“As it relates to the Rivers State matter in focus, the declaration of a state of emergency could only be said to be an appropriate measure if there is a breakdown of public order and safety to such an extent that ordinary legal measures are insufficient. The Rivers State situation is far from what could be termed a breakdown of public order that necessitates this heavy-handed measure.

“We call on the National Assembly to act in true national interest by taking a dispassionate look at this matter, which is of utmost national importance, and deny the action the requiste approval.

“As a national political party that prioritises true interest of the country, the SDP stands with the people of Rivers State, particularly in this difficult period, and urges them to remain calm, trusting that reason will prevail, and democracy will be restored in no distant time.

“Mindful that the price of liberty, according to Thomas Jefferson, is eternal vigilance, we call on Nigerians to remain steadfast in safeguarding our heard-earned democracy, in the consciousness that democratic consolidation is a task that we must all strongly commit to, while staying united in working to strengthen our public institutions and building a good society in the best interest of all Nigerians,” the SDP Spokesperson added.