From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Northern Elders Forum, NEF has expressed deep concerned over the unfortunate and unfolding political crisis in Rivers State which led to the declaration of a state of emergency.
This was contained in a statement signed and released to journalists in Abuja by Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere,spokesperson of the group.
According to the statement a state of emergency can only release in States where there are actions like 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 insisted that no action in the State have warranted the establishment of state of emergency, urging the president not to compromise the national peace with personal relationship.
The statement read “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.
“Subject to the provision of this constitution, 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.
The maintenance of peace, public order and corporate existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be compromised on personal aggrandizement, and should be the primary concern of each Nigerian.
As such any form of disturbance in any part of the country will have serious negative tendency and impact on the whole country. 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 NEF wishes to also advise 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.
Finally, the NEF wishes to remind the President that the ability to resolve political disputes through negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and adjudication is part of democratic maturity.
And the naked and brutal abuse of political power can only pose imminent danger to the democratic processes in Nigeria which is currently facing serious numerous challenges.