Political Scientists Fault Declaration Of Emergency Rule In Rivers

The Nigeria Political Scientists Association (NPSA) has described the intervention of the federal government in the Rivers State crisis as one-sided.

“The Federal Government must act and behave as a father to all. For now, its intervention is being perceived as one-sided,” NPSA said in a statement signed by its president, Prof. Hassan Saliu.

NPSA also aligned itself with the perspective that a court judgment had previously frowned against suspending democratic institutions on such an occasion.

The association also expressed concern that the democratic rights of the people of River State were being abridged by the unfolding political development in the state.

“We also note from experience that historically, such declarations have only provided temporary relief. Given the prevailing conditions in Rivers State, characterized by deep-seated political animosity, an extension of the declaration is likely. This raises concerns about the National Assembly’s consent and the potential consequences of prolonged emergency rule.

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“Meanwhile, the National Assembly has eventually approved the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, notwithstanding the legal complexities surrounding it. We recall that past experiences with emergency rule, such as during the Obasanjo presidency, have shown that extending emergency rule can be problematic. The return of Governor Joshua Dariye to power in Plateau State demonstrates the complexities involved.

“This experience, no doubt, guided the Jonathan government in narrowing down the coverage level of its own policy on emergency rule, which initially encompassed three states,” the body said.

While urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike to tread the path of peace, NPSA submitted that, “the two gentlemen are culpable and must be made to realise that their actions or inactions have brought about the emergency rule in the state.”

It warned that the volatility of Rivers State, which significantly impacts national revenue, must be appreciated as various options are being considered in managing the crisis.

“The state’s strategic location and economic significance to the nation make it a critical hotspot. This point deserves to be taken cognizance of by Abuja authorities,” it added.