Politics

Northern Caucus Supports President Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration in Rivers State

Published

3 days ago

Mar 20, 2025.

Doguwa went on to accuse suspended Rivers State Governor m, Siminalayi Fubara and other unnamed political figures of having knowledge of alleged sabotage.
He criticized opposition figures challenging the state of emergency, arguing that national security and stability should take precedence over political affiliations

The Northern Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed its full support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Eko Hot Blog reports.

In a statement on Thursday, Caucus Chairman Hon. Ado Doguwa dismissed opposition to the move as politically motivated and argued that the measure is necessary to protect critical infrastructure in the oil-rich state.

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Doguwa went on to accuse suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other unnamed political figures of having knowledge of alleged sabotage.

His comments come amid heightened tensions in Rivers State, where President Tinubu has declared a state of emergency and suspended the state governor and other officials.

Doguwa insisted that the government could not afford to allow “miscreants, hoodlums, and politically motivated thugs” to jeopardise national economic interests by damaging vital assets in the Niger Delta.

Northern Caucus Supports President Tinubu's Emergency Declaration in Rivers State

“The steps taken by Mr President are timely and constitutionally appropriate. As a legislative institution, we will not allow this declaration to fail,” he said.

He criticised opposition figures challenging the state of emergency, arguing that national security and stability should take precedence over political affiliations.

“The opposition is simply playing politics. While we acknowledge constitutional considerations, we cannot ignore the breakdown of law and order in Rivers State,” Doguwa stated.

The lawmaker accused Fubara’s allies of orchestrating attacks on oil and gas infrastructure, an allegation he said necessitated strong federal intervention.

“What is happening today—the destruction of critical infrastructure—is allegedly being carried out with the conspiracy of the suspended governor and some politically motivated players outside Rivers State,” he claimed.

Northern Caucus Supports President Tinubu's Emergency Declaration in Rivers State

On behalf of the Northern Caucus, Doguwa reaffirmed their unwavering support for Tinubu’s decision, citing Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency when necessary.

Responding to opposition groups resisting the emergency rule, Doguwa insisted that the legislative institution must act with “moral conscience” and in defence of democratic principles.