Rivers Crisis: “Tinubu Has Committed an Impeachable Offence” – Reuben Abati

Veteran journalist and former presidential spokesperson, Dr. Reuben Abati, has accused President Bola Tinubu of committing an impeachable offence by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. Speaking on Arise Television’s *Morning Show* on Wednesday, Abati argued that the President overstepped his constitutional powers and violated due process in his handling of the political crisis in the state.

President Tinubu had, in a national broadcast on Tuesday night, announced the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, citing concerns over political instability and the demolition of the State House of Assembly allegedly ordered by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Tinubu stated that an Administrator would be appointed to manage the state from March 18 and that the Federal Executive Council would assume legislative responsibilities for the state.

Abati, however, said the move contradicts Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the specific conditions under which a state of emergency may be declared. He noted that none of those conditions—such as imminent war, natural disaster, or total breakdown of public order—were present in Rivers. Furthermore, he emphasized that any emergency proclamation must be submitted to the National Assembly for approval within a specific timeframe, which had not been followed.

Criticizing the President’s claim that the Federal Executive Council would assume legislative functions in Rivers, Abati cited Section 11 of the Constitution, which assigns that role solely to the National Assembly during a state of emergency. He described the President’s action as dictatorial and unconstitutional, warning that appropriating such powers constitutes a clear impeachable offence.

Abati also referenced Section 188 of the Constitution, which outlines the legal process for removing a sitting governor. According to him, only the State House of Assembly has the authority to initiate such action based on allegations of gross misconduct, followed by the formation of an investigative panel by the state’s Chief Judge. The President, he said, has no constitutional authority to remove a governor or dissolve state institutions unilaterally.

He concluded by urging those who advise the President to respect the constitutional framework and called on the National Assembly to act decisively in upholding the rule of law.