A well-known Nigerian lawyer, Roy Nweze, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. According to him, this move is necessary to restore peace and protect lives in the oil-rich state.

On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced an emergency rule, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminialayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and state lawmakers for six months. This decision has sparked debates, with some critics questioning the legality of suspending elected officials.

However, Nweze argues that Tinubu has the power to declare an emergency under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution. He explains that when a state faces an unusual crisis, such drastic measures may be needed.

He dismisses those opposing the decision, stating that they cannot prove their claims that the president lacks the authority to suspend state officials.

He further points out that the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, which started in 2023, has worsened. The state assembly was even set on fire, and there are videos suggesting that the governor encouraged youths to take action.

Given these issues, Nweze believes suspending the governor and lawmakers is the only way to manage the security situation effectively.

Nweze emphasizes that a state of emergency allows extraordinary actions to handle abnormal situations. He insists that Tinubu’s intervention is the best way to restore order in Rivers State.