SMBLF condemns action, says it is anti-democratic
A legal advocacy group, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) Lawyers, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a “constitutional, courageous, and genius leadership decision.”

National Convener of the group, Abibat Bankole-Apena, said that the President acted within the confines of the law, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency in situations of “actual breakdown of public order and public safety” or “clear and present danger” that threatens national security.

The group said that the President had exhausted all mediation efforts to resolve the crisis before resorting to state of emergency measures.

Also speaking, National Secretary of the group, Femi Ishola, dismissed criticisms from political analysts and social media commentators questioning the legality of the president’s decision, maintaining that “the declaration was a courageous, impartial and ingenious move to protect national and state Assets, force all warring parties to sheath their swords, restore law and order as well as ensure a peaceful Rivers State to the benefit of the Rivers people and Nigerians at large.”

HOWEVER, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has condemned Tinubu’s action on Rivers State, which includes the dissolution of the State House of Assembly and the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy from office.

In a statement, yesterday, signed by Afenifere Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan; Middle Belt Leaders Forum National President, Dr Bitrus Pogu; Ohanaeze Ndigbo President-General, Senator John Azuta Mbata, and PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the SMBLF described the President’s action as “unconstitutional” and “dictatorial,” stating that it violates the Nigerian Constitution.

The SMBLF accused Tinubu of attempting to justify his actions by citing the failure of Fubara to address security concerns despite the President’s absolute powers over security.

https://guardian.ng/politics/groups-bicker-over-state-of-emergency-in-rivers/