History of Emergency Rule in Nigeria Since 1999: A Focus on Recent Developments
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to ongoing political unrest, suspending the governor and assembly members. This action is rooted in the Constitution and requires National Assembly approval. Previous instances of emergency rule in Nigeria include Plateau in 2004, Ekiti in 2006, and Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa in 2013 under different administrations.
In light of the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has officially declared a state of emergency. This declaration, announced in a nationwide address, entails the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial term of six months. The President has appointed Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the state administrator to oversee operations during this period.
The declaration is grounded in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which endows the President with the authority to announce a state of emergency under specific circumstances. Subsequently, this proclamation must be published in the government gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly for validation. A two-thirds majority approval from the National Assembly is required to authorize the execution of this declaration, ensuring a safeguard against potential abuses of power.
Since Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1999, this marks the fourth occasion whereby a sitting President has instituted a state of emergency. The previous instances include:
1. Plateau State (2004): In May 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared an emergency in Plateau State due to escalated ethno-religious violence, which resulted in substantial loss of life and property. The governor and state assembly were suspended, with Major General Chris Alli (retd.) appointed to restore order.
2. Ekiti State (2006): A political crisis in Ekiti State led to a state of emergency as announced by Obasanjo in October 2006. The conflict arose from the contentious impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose, leading to societal unrest. Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was designated as administrator until normalcy returned.
3. Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013): With the intensifying Boko Haram insurgency, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in May 2013 across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. Unlike prior declarations, the governors and state assemblies were retained while federal forces were increased, and curfews were imposed to suppress the insurgency.
In conclusion, President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State marks a significant action amidst ongoing political unrest. This followed similar measures taken under past administrations, particularly by Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, aimed to restore order and governance stability. The process outlined in Nigeria’s Constitution reflects a commitment to maintaining a system of checks and balances during such critical events.
Original Source: punchng.com
