FLASHBACK: How OBJ, GEJ Declared State Of Emergencies In 2004, 2006, 2013

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability and appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the state administrator.

During a live broadcast, the president mentioned a constitutional breach by the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his decision.

The decision barred Fubara, his deputy and members of the Rivers House of Assembly from functioning for six months.

However, this is not the first time a state of emergency has been declared by a sitting president.

In May 2004, in Plateau State, former president Olusegun Obasanjo suspended the then governor Joshua Dariye and the state House of Assembly for six months due to ethnic clashes. The situation led to widespread killings and destruction. Major General Chris Alli (retd.) was appointed administrator to restore order.

In October 2006, Obasanjo also suspended Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and the State House of Assembly members for six months over a political crisis. Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was appointed administrator until the situation stabilised.

In May 2013, former president Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Adamawa, Yola and Borno States following the activities of Boko Haram extremists, but did not suspend the governors.

The 1999 Constitution, under Section 305, empowers the President to declare a state of emergency under specific conditions.

The proclamation must be published in the government gazette and transmitted to the National Assembly for approval.

A two-thirds majority of the National Assembly is required to validate the declaration.

FLASHBACK: How OBJ, GEJ Declared State Of Emergencies In 2004, 2006, 2013 is first published on The Whistler Newspaper