Port Harcourt, Rivers State – A coalition of women’s groups took to the streets of Port Harcourt on Monday to show their support for the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State. The women, dressed in white, marched from the Garrison Flyover to the Isaac Boro Park, holding placards with messages like “State of Emergency is Constitutional” and “We Don’t Want Fubara.”
This protest follows a demonstration by a different group of women just days earlier, who showed support for the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. However, the protest on Monday aligns with President Tinubu’s controversial decision to suspend Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly, citing political instability and security concerns.
The women leading Monday’s protest, including former Rivers Commissioner for Social Welfare Ifeyinwa Aguma, a close ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, expressed their support for Ibok-Ette Ibas. Appointed by President Tinubu as the administrator of Rivers State, Ibas was urged to continue his work in restoring order and stability in the oil-rich state.
Constitutionality of State of Emergency.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has raised several questions, particularly about the constitutionality of suspending elected officials. According to Nigeria’s Constitution, a state of emergency can be declared in any state if there is a breakdown of law and order or an occurrence that threatens the security and welfare of the state or the country as a whole.
Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution outlines the procedures for declaring a state of emergency. It grants the president the authority to suspend the constitution and assume direct control of a state in cases of war, insurrection, or any situation that results in a breakdown of public order. Importantly, it specifies that the president must consult with the National Assembly and gain approval for such actions.
While the Constitution allows for the suspension of the usual legislative and executive processes during a state of emergency, the suspension of elected officials is seen by some as a controversial step, as it can undermine the will of the people. Critics argue that suspending elected leaders, like Governor Fubara, without clear evidence of their inability to perform their duties may be a violation of democratic principles.
On the other hand, those in support of the emergency rule, including the women protesters in Port Harcourt, believe that the state’s political instability and the recent security threats warrant such drastic measures. They argue that this move is necessary to restore peace and governance in Rivers State.
A Divided State: Protesters or Paid Demonstrators?
As the state of emergency continues to generate debate, some observers question the authenticity of the protests. Last week, a group of women held a counter-protest in favor of Governor Fubara, and some accused them of being paid to support the embattled governor. This raises a significant question: Are the women in favor of the emergency rule truly advocating for what is right for Rivers State, or are they simply part of a political game?
It is essential to consider that protests, especially in a highly polarized political environment like Nigeria’s, can sometimes be orchestrated for personal or political gain. While the women protesting in favor of the state of emergency believe that it is the best course of action to restore peace and stability, it is also important to recognize that their stance may be influenced by political affiliations or personal interests.
The issue of payment for protests has been a persistent concern in Nigerian politics, where demonstrations are occasionally used as tools for political maneuvering. Critics of the protest in support of the state of emergency may argue that the women are simply following the lead of political figures like Nyesom Wike, who is closely aligned with the federal government’s interests.
However, supporters of the protest assert that these women are advocating for what they believe to be a necessary and constitutional intervention to safeguard the state’s future.
A Divisive Decision.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sharply divided opinions both within the state and across the country. While some see it as an essential step to restore order, others argue that it is an overreach that undermines the democratic process. Critics claim that suspending elected officials like Governor Fubara is not only unconstitutional but also potentially dangerous to the democratic principles enshrined in the country’s constitution.
The governors of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have vehemently opposed the state of emergency, seeking to challenge it in court. They argue that the actions of the federal government, particularly the suspension of elected officials, are politically motivated and unconstitutional.
On the other hand, the women who took to the streets in Port Harcourt on Monday voiced strong support for President Tinubu’s decision, describing the emergency rule as constitutional and necessary for restoring peace and security to Rivers State.
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Legal and Political Implications.
As this political crisis continues to unfold, the legal implications of the state of emergency declaration will play a pivotal role in determining the future governance of Rivers State. The court challenge filed by PDP governors will test the boundaries of presidential powers and the protection of democratic rights in Nigeria.
In the meantime, it remains to be seen whether the protests, for or against the emergency rule, reflect genuine concern for the welfare of Rivers State or whether they are part of a larger political strategy. The ongoing crisis has certainly placed the state at the heart of a national debate about governance, constitutional rights, and the limits of executive power.
