March 20, (THEWILL) – The Northern Regional Caucus of the House of Representatives has endorsed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as apt and in the national interest.
The caucus, comprising members from 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stated on Thursday that President Bola Tinubu’s decision was constitutionally sound. In a statement issued to journalists, the group urged public support for the move.
Chairman of the caucus, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, emphasised:
“In view of ongoing discourse, we affirm that the President’s actions are timely, appropriate, and constitutionally valid. As legislators, we will not permit this constitutional measure to fail. Opposition attempts to politicise the matter are unhelpful.
“While sensitive to constitutional implications, we cannot ignore the breakdown of law and order in Rivers State. Allowing miscreants and politically motivated actors to destroy critical national assets jeopardises our economy and stability”, he added.
The caucus stressed Nigeria’s supremacy over “selfish coalitions,” asserting:
“The constitutional proclamation must stand. Attacks on oil and gas infrastructure reflect the work of agents of chaos. We fully support the President’s invocation of Section 305 of the Constitution.”
Doguwa criticised opposition leaders, urging them to “rise above partisanship and respect the sacrosanct rule of law. Parliament remains guided by moral conscience, democratic ideals, and legal precedents in upholding this decision.”
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
