Rivers State Teeters on the Brink: A Call for Constitutional Governance

In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, suspending the Executive Governor, Deputy Governor, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. This move, aimed at addressing the protracted political crisis, has sparked concerns about the adherence to constitutional governance.

The National Think Tank Initiative, a body of experts dedicated to policy analysis, has commended the President’s efforts to restore peace and stability. However, they emphasize that the pursuit of peace should strictly adhere to due process and the rule of law, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

The suspension of democratically elected officials raises significant questions about the legal framework guiding such actions. Section 188 of the Constitution outlines the process for removing a Governor or Deputy Governor through impeachment, while Section 305 specifies the conditions for declaring a State of Emergency, typically requiring National Assembly approval.

Rivers State, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy, deserves a resolution that upholds the will of its people and respects their electoral mandate. The National Think Tank Initiative urges all stakeholders to ensure that stability is not achieved at the expense of democratic principles and the rights of the people.

As the economic heartbeat of the Niger Delta, Rivers State’s strategic significance and complex inter-tribal dynamics require cautious handling. A misstep risks igniting inter-tribal conflicts, destabilizing the entire South-South Geopolitical Region, and disrupting the Niger Delta’s critical contributions to the national economy.

The path to lasting peace in Rivers State must be marked by a balanced approach that respects both the need for order and the sanctity of constitutional governance. This can only be achieved through justice, inclusivity, and adherence to constitutional norms.

As Hon. (Prof.) Stephen Sinikiem Azaike, Co-Chairman/National Coordinator of the National Think Tank Nigeria, aptly puts it, “Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.”