Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a constitutional violation and an impeachable offense.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Abati argued that a governor cannot be removed by a presidential proclamation, insisting that Tinubu acted beyond his constitutional powers.
The controversy erupted after President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday night, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing concerns over political instability and the alleged demolition of the State House of Assembly by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The President also announced the appointment of an administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
However, Abati contended that Tinubu’s actions contradict Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared. He further stated that only the National Assembly, not the Federal Executive Council, has the authority to make laws for a state House of Assembly during an emergency.
“The President has appropriated unto himself the powers to make laws for the Rivers State House of Assembly. That’s an impeachable offense,” Abati asserted. He also criticized Tinubu’s unilateral decision to dissolve the state legislature and appoint an administrator, stating that such powers do not exist within the constitutional framework.
Citing Section 188 of the Constitution, Abati emphasized that a governor can only be removed through a due process involving the State House of Assembly and a judicial panel—not by presidential decree.
He concluded by warning that Tinubu’s advisors must be held accountable for misleading the President into violating the Constitution, adding that the National Assembly now faces the challenge of either rejecting the President’s proclamation or initiating an impeachment process.
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