Declare State of Emergency on Security, Economy, Not Rivers, Ndume to Tinubu

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has urged President Bola Tinubu to shift focus from the political crisis in Rivers State and instead declare a state of emergency on Nigeria’s worsening security and economic situation.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Ndume criticized Tinubu’s decision to declare emergency rule in oil-rich Rivers, describing it as misplaced.

"Let the President forget about everything else and focus on three key areas—security, welfare of citizens, and the economy," Ndume said. "That’s where a state of emergency is truly needed."

Identifying himself as a staunch democrat, the senator expressed surprise at the President’s action, calling it a misstep.

Recall that on March 18, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers House of Assembly for six months. He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s interim administrator, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows for emergency rule during national crises or threats.

However, Ndume argued that the President should have prioritized dialogue.

"He should have brought the political actors together and resolved the crisis amicably, instead of declaring emergency rule," he said.

Ndume also dismissed suggestions that the affected politicians had defied the President’s earlier directives. 

"Did they ignore the President? If they did, how come they didn’t ignore the suspension when it came? It shows they would’ve listened if he had pushed for reconciliation," he added.