The Northern Elders Forum has expressed displeasure over the recent political development in Rivers state which led to the suspension of Govenor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the House of Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, spokesperson of NEF, called on the President to immediately reinstate the governor and his deputy.

NEF observed that even though the President is empowered under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) to declare a state of emergency on the Federation or any part of it, the situation In Rivers did not warrant a state of emergency.

?The president may by instrument published in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof.

?However, the president can only do so, if and only if, any the conditions stated in subsection 3 of Section 305 actually occurs which includes war, imminent invasion, breakdown of public order, clear and present danger, disaster or natural calamity, other public danger, or a request from the Governor of the State.?

?It is a public knowledge and indisputable fact that none of these conditions actually happened in Rivers State. Except perhaps for personal vendetta in alliance with the President?s serving Federal Minister of the FCT and the immediate past Governor of Rivers State who has been in personal conflict with the suspended Governor for selfish interests rather than public good,? NEF said.

?The Federal government and the President in particular must find a viable and permanent solution to the political crisis in Rivers State, and also immediately lift the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor and State Assembly to restore the spirit of democracy, justice and public order,?

The Forum also advised the Federal government not to allow the escalation of political disputes in some other states such as Kano, where at the moment there exists a standoff and tussle in the traditional institution of the Kano Emirate. (Daily Trust)

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