The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has issued a fierce condemnation of General Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an unconstitutional assault on a democratically elected government.
The decision, which led to the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the dissolution of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has sparked widespread controversy over federal overreach and the erosion of Nigeria’s legal framework.
In a statement released in Abuja, prominent SMBLF figures—including Oba Oladipo Olaitan of Afenifere, Dr. Bitrus Pogu of the Middle Belt Forum, Senator John Azuta Mbata of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Ambassador Godknows Igali of PANDEF—united to criticize General Tinubu’s actions. They accused the federal government of exploiting the emergency declaration as a political maneuver to seize control of Rivers State, rather than addressing any legitimate crisis.
The SMBLF highlighted the suspicious timing of the events, pointing out that the impeachment notice issued against Governor Fubara and his deputy by the Rivers State House of Assembly—just one day prior to the emergency declaration—closely aligned with the reasons General Tinubu later cited for his intervention. The group alleged that the assembly members driving the impeachment were loyal to Tinubu’s political faction, suggesting a coordinated effort between the federal government and these lawmakers to undermine Rivers State’s elected leadership.
The forum further argued that the state of emergency was not only unconstitutional but also baseless. They challenged General Tinubu’s stated justifications, such as pipeline vandalism and alleged militant threats, noting that no credible investigation had been conducted to verify these claims. Additionally, the SMBLF emphasized that security is a federal responsibility, making it unreasonable to fault the governor for any lapses in intelligence or law enforcement.
This crisis has raised serious concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy and federal system. The SMBLF’s outspoken opposition reflects a growing unease among regional and political leaders about the increasing concentration of power in the hands of the federal government and the diminishing autonomy of states under General Tinubu’s leadership.
With opposition leaders, civil society groups, and legal experts joining the chorus of criticism, the spotlight is now on the National Assembly. The legislature’s response will be crucial in deciding whether General Tinubu’s decision will stand or if Rivers State can return to constitutional governance.
For now, the people of Rivers State and Nigerians across the country are closely monitoring this political standoff, the outcome of which could have far-reaching implications for the future of democracy and governance in Nigeria.
