The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), a prominent socio-political organization representing the interests of the Niger Delta region, has vehemently denounced the proposed declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. PANDEF argues that such a move constitutes a grave threat to democratic principles and undermines the established tenets of constitutional governance. The organization, in a strongly worded communiqué issued following an emergency meeting in Abuja, characterized the proposed action as an “undemocratic imposition” and implored the leadership of the National Assembly, specifically Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, to uphold their constitutional responsibilities and reject the declaration. The communiqué, endorsed by key PANDEF leaders including Co-Chairmen of the Board of Trustees Alfred Diete-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Dr. Godknows Igali, and National Spokesman Obiuwevbi Ominimini, underscores the organization’s deep-seated concerns about the potential ramifications of this drastic measure.
PANDEF’s core argument centers on the assertion that declaring a state of emergency and subsequently removing elected officials in Rivers State represents a blatant affront to democracy and the rule of law. The organization highlights the inherent contradiction between the proposed action and President Tinubu’s previous stance against imposing emergency rule without the removal of governors. They specifically referenced President Tinubu’s 2013 condemnation of a similar decision by then-President Goodluck Jonathan in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, arguing that the current situation mirrors the circumstances that President Tinubu previously criticized. This perceived inconsistency, according to PANDEF, casts doubt on the motivations behind the proposed emergency rule and raises concerns about potential political maneuvering.
Further fueling PANDEF’s apprehension is the cited justification for the emergency declaration – an alleged pipeline explosion. The organization contends that similar incidents have occurred across the country without triggering such extreme measures. They point to the persistent and widespread violence plaguing several states in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions, where no state of emergency has been declared, thus questioning the rationale behind singling out Rivers State. This disparity in response, according to PANDEF, suggests a selective application of emergency powers, raising suspicions of ulterior motives beyond the stated reason of pipeline security.
The timing of the proposed emergency rule adds another layer of complexity to the situation. PANDEF notes that the declaration comes just a day before Governor Fubara was scheduled to present the 2025 budget to the Rivers State Assembly, a presentation mandated by a Supreme Court ruling. This coincidental timing, in PANDEF’s view, further strengthens their suspicions of a politically motivated maneuver designed to disrupt the state’s governance and potentially undermine the governor’s authority. The close proximity of the emergency declaration to the budget presentation raises questions about the true intent behind the action and fuels speculation about a deliberate attempt to obstruct the state’s legislative processes.
PANDEF also points fingers at the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of deliberately obstructing reconciliation efforts within the state. While the specific details of these alleged obstructions aren’t explicitly detailed in the communiqué, the accusation suggests a broader political conflict within Rivers State that may be contributing to the current tensions. By implicating the FCT Minister, PANDEF implies that the push for emergency rule may be driven by personal or political agendas rather than genuine concerns about security or governance.
In conclusion, PANDEF vehemently opposes the proposed declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it represents a dangerous precedent that threatens democratic principles and constitutional governance. They cite the perceived inconsistency with President Tinubu’s past stance on emergency rule, the questionable justification based on a single pipeline explosion, the suspicious timing coinciding with the governor’s budget presentation, and the alleged obstructive role of the FCT Minister as evidence of a politically motivated maneuver. The organization calls on the National Assembly to reject the declaration and uphold its constitutional duty to protect the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State. They also urge the federal government to respect the constitutional rights of the Rivers people and seek alternative solutions that address the underlying issues without resorting to such drastic measures.
