PRESS STATEMENT BY SEN. BABAFEMI OJUDU, CON

Back to Ground Zero: Who Advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Do This?

I have just picked up my phone after breaking my fast to find multiple missed calls and countless messages about an alarming development: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

If this is true, then I must ask: Who advised the President to take this course of action? Whoever it is, they are certainly not a friend of his administration, nor do they have the best interests of Nigeria at heart.

How could the President willingly walk into a raging inferno with his eyes wide open? No, no, no… this must be the work of fifth columnists. The Tinubu I once knew would not have made such a reckless and unnecessary decision.

To what end? This is a simple political dispute that requires a simple solution. Call the two gladiators, sit them down, and read them the riot act. One of them, after all, is your own appointee. What will it benefit you, Mr. President, to keep Wike and lose the Nigerian economy?

The Dangerous Economic Implications of This Decision

Does the President realize that the Niger Delta crisis twice pushed Nigeria into recession under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Has he been informed that at one point, Nigeria’s oil production collapsed to below 400,000 barrels per day, down from 2.5 million barrels per day? That catastrophic drop in production was a direct result of political mismanagement and conflict in the region.

It took years of painstaking effort and immense risks to stabilize the region, stop the sabotage of oil infrastructure, and restore some level of production. I should know—I was part of that difficult and excruciating process.

This decision threatens to undo all that progress.

If the situation escalates, we risk another shutdown of vital oil production facilities. We risk renewed pipeline sabotage, illegal oil bunkering, and militant activities. We risk another economic nosedive—at a time when Nigeria can least afford it.

The global oil market is unforgiving. Investors do not wait for internal political conflicts to be resolved. They simply take their capital elsewhere.

Mr. President, this is not just about Rivers State. It is about Nigeria’s economic survival.

And What About the Soldiers Fighting to Keep Nigeria Safe?

While we waste energy escalating political battles in Rivers State, thousands of Nigerian soldiers are still fighting for their lives—and for the nation’s survival—against insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers in the North East, North West, and North Central.

These are the real emergencies. These are the crises that demand decisive leadership.

The men and women of our armed forces are stretched thin, battling terrorists and criminal networks daily. They do not need yet another crisis to divert resources and attention.

Nigeria cannot afford to be fighting on multiple fronts—politically, economically, and militarily. Mr. President, do not open a new war front in Rivers State while real wars are still raging elsewhere.

This Is Not the Way to Manage This Crisis, Mr. President

This portends disaster—for your administration, for the economy, and for the nation.

A state of emergency is not a strategy—it is an admission of failure. There are far more effective, far less destructive ways to handle this situation.

I urge you, Mr. President, to rethink this decision before irreparable damage is done.

Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, CON

Very deep message here with Senator Babafemi Ojudu

World Health organization ( W.H.O)

So FG should have allowed the lawbreakers to go ahead with their impeachment notion?

Jubilations and celebrations all over rivers state as residents well comes state of emergency. This is very commendable from president TINUBU

helinues:
World Health organization ( W.H.O)

So FG should have allowed the lawbreakers to go ahead with their impeachment notion?

they can’t impeach the governor now. There’s no violence at all. Tinubu shouldn’t have declare state of emergency at all.

yarimo:
Jubilations and celebrations all over rivers state as residents well comes state of emergency. This is very commendable from president TINUBU

jubilations where? Where’s the pictures of jubilation? Dey play, funny troller

What is ribadu advising as NSA

surgical:
What is ribadu advising as NSA

so unfortunate Tinubu was advise wrongly. I won’t talk much

In Nigeria, everyone can write epistles displaying all wisdom and competence, but when it comes to taking actions, they are all run and hide, so this gent can write this epistle as someone who was part of the process of restoring peace to the Niger Delta but went AWOL all the while this issue was on ground.

Truths9ja:
so unfortunate Tinubu was advise wrongly. I won’t talk much

U can talk too much if u want, talking is what the average Nigerian does.
By this time come Friday, this talk will disappear from social media like it never happened and u all will start looking for another thing to talk about.
That's the average Nigerian, driven by emotions, talk and talk and talk, I'm sure u have created at least 5 topics about this already and all of them is driven by the urge to talk.

JagabanBorgu:
In Nigeria, everyone can write epistles displaying all wisdom and competence, but when it comes to taking actions, they are all run and hide, so this gent can write this epistle as someone who was part of the process of restoring peace to the Niger Delta but went AWOL all the while this issue was on ground.

what Senator Ojudu said there is the blunt truths. Truths is bitter. From 2.5m per barrel to 400,000 per barrel. Tinubu will destroyed the economy more with this declaration of state of emergency that doesn’t warrant it.

helinues:
World Health organization ( W.H.O)

So FG should have allowed the lawbreakers to go ahead with their impeachment notion?

former chairman agbero union nairaland branch,you are not wise,so agbero chairman suspending fubara a democratic governor is better than the impeachment of your imaginary lawbreakers that the druggie was afraid of.druglord will soon scatter what is left of the country.the grab it snatch it and run with it.is now running it

JagabanBorgu:

U can talk too much if u want, talking is what the average Nigerian does.
By this time come Friday, this talk will disappear from social media like it never happened and u all will start looking for another thing to talk about.
That's the average Nigerian, driven by emotions, talk and talk and talk, I'm sure u have created at least 5 topics about this already and all of them is driven by the urge to talk.

you that wails here, you have conscience niii 🤣🤣🤣

Truths9ja:
you that wails here, you have conscience niii 🤣🤣🤣

"Wail"?
LOL.
I don't remember making a post about this topic, someone who has made 5 posts already and say "I don't want to talk too much" sounds more like the waiIer.

Truths9ja:
they can’t impeach the governor now. There’s no violence at all. Tinubu shouldn’t have declare state of emergency at all.

So the demolition of the state assembly complex is what?

Truths9ja:
what Senator Ojudu said there is the blunt truths. Truths is bitter. From 2.5m per barrel to 400,000 per barrel. Tinubu will destroyed the economy more with this declaration of state of emergency that doesn’t warrant it.

Why not from 2.5m per barrel to 0 per barrel?
Are u sure u dóñ't have comprehension Issues?
I don't remember saying he's telling Iies.
"What he is saying is pure truth", "what he's saying is blunt truth", "truth is bitter" is actually a trademark of a particular tr!be.
The moment u hear that statement or read that statement anywhere, it's a trademark of a particular tr!be that has no reIationsh!p with the "truth".
I don't remember saying he is lying.

yarimo:
Jubilations and celebrations all over rivers state as residents well comes state of emergency. This is very commendable from president TINUBU

Fvcking liar. Only in Yoruba land are they jubilating.

I love this Tinubu move.

It shows he is grounded and in touch with the masses.

I believe he will soon hit the ground running.

BloomingDale:


Fvcking liar. Only in Yoruba land are they jubilating.

ok

helinues:


So the demolition of the state assembly complex is what?

renovation was ongoing on the rivers State house of Assembly. And don’t forget that pro wike lawmakers seat in the Assembly quarter every week without disruption from the thugs. Tinubu suspending governor fubara here is taking too. He will restore fubara back.

They will not listen
God has hardened their hearts
This is surely God's hand at work
State of emergency is a double edged sword that will inturn cripple the economy that is currently gasping for air
Right then, we will be on eve of elections
E no far again

“STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS: “SUSPENSION” OR OTHERWISE SUMMARY REMOVAL OF A DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED GOVERNOR AND OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL”

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has taken due notice of the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as contained in his address to the nation today, 18th March 2025. This declaration according to the President is due to the prevailing political tension in the state and due to the “vandalization of pipelines between yesterday and today:” This development has far-reaching constitutional and democratic implications, particularly in light of the provisions of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which governs the procedure for the proclamation of a state of emergency and which the President purported to have relied upon.

Section 305 of the Constitution indeed vests the President with the power to declare a state of emergency, the Section stipulates strict conditions and procedural safeguards that must be followed to ensure that such extraordinary measures do not infringe on democratic governance and fundamental human rights.

The NBA is gravely concerned about the purported suspension by the President of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and the Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.
The 1999 Constitution does not grant the President the power to remove an elected governor, deputy governor, or members of a state’s legislature under the guise of a state of emergency. Rather, the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor as per Section 188. Similarly, the removal of members of the House of Assembly and dissolution of parliament is governed by constitutional provisions and electoral laws, none of which appear to have been adhered to in the present circumstances.

A declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments. The Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials—such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure.

The NBA firmly asserts that the situation in Rivers State, though politically tense, does not meet the constitutional threshold for the removal of elected officials.
For a state of emergency to be declared, Section 305(3) of the Constitution outlines specific conditions, including:
1. War or external aggression against Nigeria.
2. Imminent danger of invasion or war
3. A breakdown of public order and safety to such an extent that ordinary legal measures are insufficient.
4. A clear danger to Nigeria’s existence.
5. Occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity affecting a state or a part of it.
6. Such other public danger that constitutes a threat to the Federation.
The NBA questions whether the political crisis in Rivers State has reached the level of a complete breakdown of law and order warranting the removal of the Governor and his administration. Political disagreements, legislative conflicts, or executive-legislative tensions do not constitute a justification for emergency rule. Such conflicts should be resolved through legal and constitutional mechanisms, including the judiciary, rather than executive fiat.

The purported removal of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is therefore unconstitutional, unlawful, and a dangerous affront to our nation’s democracy.
Furthermore, subsection (2) of Section 305 provides that:
“A Proclamation issued by the President under this section shall cease to have effect—
(a) if it is not approved by a resolution of the National Assembly within two days when the National Assembly is in session; or
(b) if the National Assembly is not in session, within ten days after it reconvenes.”

These provisions provide that a state of emergency declared by the President does not assume automatic validity. It requires legislative ratification within a defined timeframe to remain in effect. The NBA, therefore, emphasizes that unless the National Assembly duly approves the proclamation, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State remains constitutionally inchoate and ineffective.

In light of the foregoing, the Nigerian Bar Association:
• Affirms that the President does not have the constitutional power to remove an elected governor under a state of emergency. Any such action is an unconstitutional encroachment on democratic governance and the autonomy of state governments.
• Calls on the National Assembly to reject any unconstitutional attempt to ratify the removal of the Rivers State Governor and other elected officials. The approval of a state of emergency must be based on strict constitutional grounds, not political expediency.
• Warns that suspending elected officials under emergency rule sets a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy and could be misused to unseat elected governments in the future.
• Demands that all actions taken in Rivers State strictly conform to constitutional provisions and Nigeria’s democratic norms.
• Encourages all stakeholders, including the judiciary, civil society, and the international community, to closely monitor the situation in Rivers State to prevent unconstitutional governance and abuse of power.

The NBA remains committed to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria. A state of emergency is an extraordinary measure that must be invoked strictly within constitutional limits. The removal of elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule is unconstitutional and unacceptable.

We call on all relevant authorities to act in accordance with the law and the best interest of the country. Nigeria’s democracy must be protected at all costs, and the Constitution must be upheld as the supreme legal authority in all circumstances.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association

He was advised against Naira devaluation and petrol price deregulation at a go, he did not hear.
He ended up plunging the country in economic abyss. Today he added yet another stupid feather to hat of "terrible" government.

The militants where already bombing pipelines before the declaration. Nothing else he could have done than to push the two gladiators far away from Rivers politics for now. If both of them realised they could lose the state, they might be forced to work together.

D same People who advised him to announce subsidy is gone on inauguration day may b n the following day suffer commenced n till today we r in it.

Validated:
He was advised against Naira devaluation and petrol price deregulation at a go, he did not hear.
He ended up plunging the country in economic abyss. Today he added yet another stupid feather to hat of "terrible" government.

very terrible here

Validated:
He was advised against Naira devaluation and petrol price deregulation at a go, he did not hear.
He ended up plunging the country in economic abyss. Today he added yet another stupid feather to hat of "terrible" government.

His ability to take though decisions since his days as a governor, is the reason why he's President and your candidate is a town crier.

Someone who knows what he's doing will not be seeking advice from a mad man before doing anything.

Seems he only does well with tough decisions lol
cautioning wike to even at least tone down the bad inciteful and dangerous statements on the matter was too simple such that he had to go for the toughest decision

JAMO84:
His ability to take though decisions since his days as a governor, is the reason why he's President and your candidate is a town crier.

Someone who knows what he's doing will not be seeking advice from a mad man before doing anything.

Senator Ojudu my guy but this your take don dey vex me small.

You no go ever see a president like Tinubu that is willing to take the bull by the horn and make tough decisions.

Zombies will start calling Ojudu traitor