The South-South Governors' Forum has expressed strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu's recent declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, which included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly. In a statement issued by the forum's chairman, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, the governors argued that the current political situation in Rivers does not meet the constitutional criteria necessary for such a declaration.

The governors emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of a governor, deputy governor, or members of the House of Assembly, procedures they believe were not followed in this instance. They called for an immediate reversal of the state of emergency to reduce tensions and restore stability in Rivers State.

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors' Forum (PDPGF), led by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, criticized the emergency declaration as unconstitutional. They labeled the suspension of democratically elected officials a threat to democracy and urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also voiced concerns, asserting that the President lacks the constitutional authority to remove an elected governor under a state of emergency. They urged the National Assembly to reject any unconstitutional attempts to ratify the removal of Rivers State's elected officials.

In response to these criticisms, President Tinubu cited recent security reports detailing incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants in Rivers State, alleging inaction by the governor to address these issues. He appointed a retired vice admiral as the caretaker administrator for the state during the emergency period.

The situation has sparked widespread debate, with various stakeholders calling for adherence to constitutional provisions and cautioning against actions that could undermine Nigeria's democratic processes.