The Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives has expressed full support for President Bola Tinubu’s recent intervention in Rivers State, labeling the emergency rule he declared as “timely, appropriate, and constitutionally sound.”
In a statement released on Thursday, the caucus, which represents lawmakers from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, commended the President’s decisive action after the near-collapse of governance in Rivers State. The emergency rule, announced by Tinubu in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. The President appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), as the state’s administrator, and sought legislative approval for the emergency declaration.
Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, the chairman of the caucus, strongly endorsed the President’s move, stressing that it was a necessary step to restore order and stability in the oil-rich state. He dismissed any opposition to the intervention as politically motivated, warning against efforts to undermine the constitutional proclamation. “The opposition is simply trying to play politics with a matter of national importance,” Ado-Doguwa said, adding that “Nigeria is greater than any selfish coalition and its conspiracies.”
The caucus also condemned the destruction of critical infrastructure, particularly in the oil and gas sector, attributing it to “agents of darkness and provocateurs.” Ado-Doguwa reiterated the caucus’s unwavering support for the state of emergency, emphasizing that it was backed by the Constitution, specifically Section 305, which grants the President the power to declare a state of emergency in such situations.
The Northern Caucus urged all political leaders to prioritize the nation’s interest over party politics and avoid any actions that could derail efforts to restore peace and governance in Rivers State. They affirmed their commitment to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles, calling on all lawmakers to respect the constitutional powers of the President in this matter.
As discussions continue in the National Assembly, the Northern Caucus stands firm in its support for Tinubu’s emergency measures, which they believe are crucial for bringing stability to Rivers State.
