The CSOs Strategists support Mr. President, affirming that he acted within his constitutional powers and social responsibilities to protect the lives and properties of vulnerable citizens
“STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION IN RIVERS STATE: LONG OVER DUE TO AVERT ANARCHY IN THE STATE” – CSOs STRATEGISTS
Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR Declaration of State of Emergency in the fast growing Hobesian State of the Jungle, euphemistically called Rivers State under Governor Similaye Fubara on Tuesday , 18th. March, 2025, a number of Cry, Cry Baby Wolves have gone to town in condemnations. Atiku Bubarkar, Dele Momodu, paid and self serving CSOs have been shouting bouts for the trophy as defenders of constitutional democracy!
For, the avoidance of doubt, the CSOs Strategists strongly believes and supports Mr. President as he acted within the protection of his constitutional powers just as he is adequately within the ambience of his social responsibilities to protect the lives and properties of hapless citizens. Section 305 (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria outlines specific conditions for the declaration, viz :-
1. War or external aggression against Nigeria.
2. Imminent danger of invasion or war.
3. A breakdown of public order and safety to such an extent that ordinary legal measures are insufficient.
4. A clear danger to Nigeria’s existence.
5. Occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity affecting a state or a part of it.
6. Such other public danger that constitutes a threat to the Federation.”
Condition 3 and 6 are enough reasons for the President to exercise the powers to declare State of Emergency in Rivers State giving the scenarios in the State.
With brewing violent bellicosity between Godfather, former Governor Nyeson Wike and his estranged Godson, Governor Similaye Fubara, all tenets of constitutional democratic governance have long been jettisoned as the State is held captive by the rule of whims and caprices of individuals at the detriment development as well as welfare of the citizens. Failure of amicable diplomatic, political, social and cultural resolutions long before the declaration of the state of emergency eloquently demonstrate that the rule of law, constitutional democratic governance have irretrievably collapsed.
As the power tussle was gathering storms in the State, respected, well meaning leaders of thought from all gamuts of Rivers State have initiated resolution mechanisms, that failed woefully. Even Mr. President called the feuding parties to peace session. All the resolutions arrived at, were executed in breach as violence, gangsterism and anarchy took over the land.
We cannot forget a few of this violent constitutional violations in hurry;- attempt to foster the rule of Minority 3 Legislators over Majority 27 Legislators, demolition of the State House of Assembly, rendering redundant the Legislative Arm of Government, which is crucial for the functioning of democratic governance, defilement of the Judiciary by refusing to honor its pronouncements, inability to conduct elections into the third tier of government, the Local Government Councils in contradiction of Supreme Court Judgement, Withholding of the State Monthly Allocations by the Revenue Mobilization and Allocation Commission due to this infractions. Thus, stalling developmental pace of the State, preventing the people from enjoying the dividends of democracy.
As if this was not enough, investigations are coming out that the Governor as he threatened, was behind recent escalation of resurgence of armed militants activities in the State, leading to the blowing up of a number of critical oil installations. No Government will fold arms, sit like a lame duck while the mainstay of its economy as oil is to Nigeria, is being vandalized, sabotaged and plundered. This is pure economic sabotage!!!
As we support the bold decision of President Tinubu to protect the nation’s economic interests, preserve the rule of law and constitutional democracy as well as ensure requisite peaceful atmosphere necessary development, we unequivocally call for thorough investigations of all and any elements in Rivers State who are responsible for the breakdown of law and order, sliding the State to the precipice of anarchy that may affect the nation. They should be apprehended and diligently prosecuted. No sacred cow is above either the law or Nigeria.
We call on the National Assembly to expedite resolutions to avert the spectre of looming lawlessness in Rivers State.
The Government and citizens must be eternally vigilant, watchful of the antics of agent provocateurs. We urge the people of Rivers State, global democratic institutions, Civic Trenches Organizations and all well meaning Nigerians to support the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore peace and order in the beleaguered Rivers State.
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:-
Balogun Hameed
Convener
Frontline socio-economy Research centre (FSRC)
