Former lawmaker Fara Dagogo has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unconstitutional and an abuse of executive authority.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Dagogo argued that the move contradicts the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and questioned whether the situation in Rivers State justified such drastic measures. He emphasized that emergency powers should only be exercised when public order has completely broken down.
Dagogo condemned the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers, insisting that the Constitution outlines clear procedures for removing elected officials.
“The lawful way to remove a governor or deputy governor is through impeachment by the state’s House of Assembly, as provided in Section 188 of the Constitution. The president has no authority to unilaterally suspend or remove elected officials,” he stated.
He further cited Section 11(4) and (5) of the Constitution, which allows the National Assembly to take over a state legislature’s functions if it becomes incapacitated. However, he stressed that this does not include suspending elected lawmakers.
Dagogo asserted that Tinubu’s action had no constitutional basis and represented an overreach of power.
He also criticized the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the administrator of Rivers State, arguing that such a role is not recognized by law.
“The Constitution only permits a governor elected by the people (Section 176(1)) and a deputy governor elected alongside them (Section 186). Nowhere does it provide for an unelected ‘administrator’ to govern a state,” he explained.
Dagogo concluded by warning that such actions resemble military-era governance, which has no place in Nigeria’s democracy.