Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers was timely and constitutional – Northern Caucus Meeting

The Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives, comprising lawmakers from 19 northern states and the National Capital Territory, has fully endorsed the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State.

The Caucus, led by its chairman, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, in a statement issued on Thursday described President Bola Tinubu’s intervention as “timely, appropriate and constitutional”.

On Tuesday, March 18, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Representatives in a national broadcast, for an initial period of six months, citing a near-total breakdown of governance in the oil-rich state.

The President subsequently appointed former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retired) as the State Executive and sought parliamentary approval for the declaration of a state of emergency.

While both houses of the National Assembly must have a quorum to proceed, they finally met on Wednesday Thursday to consider the motion.

Commenting on the development, Adodogwa said: “The measures taken by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces are proportionate, timely and constitutional.”

“As a legislative body, we will not allow the state of emergency declared by the President in accordance with the Constitution to fail. The opposition is only trying to play politics on an issue of national importance.”

He also warned against derailing efforts to restore order in Rivers State, adding: “Nigeria is stronger than any selfish alliance and its machinations.” The constitutional declaration in Rivers State must remain in force.

The caucus also condemned the destruction of public infrastructure, especially in the oil and gas sector, blaming it on “dark forces and agitators.”

“In this context, on behalf of the Northern Zone Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives, I would like to state our full support for the state of emergency declared by the President in accordance with his constitutional powers, as clearly provided for in Section 305 of the Constitution,” Adodogwa said.

He also warned opposition leaders against politicizing the issue, stressing that national interest must prevail over partisan interests.

“The laws of the country are clearly sacrosanct and cannot be flouted by anyone. As lawmakers, we are guided by our moral conscience, commitment to democratic ideals, respect for the Constitution and historical precedents,” he added.