By Chief Okoi Obono-Obla

A state of emergency is a situation where a government takes extraordinary measures to protect its citizens and maintain law and order. According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, it’s a national danger or disaster situation that requires the government to suspend normal procedures to regain control.

In Nigeria, the President can declare a state of emergency under Section 305 of the Constitution. This allows the President to take measures that wouldn’t normally be permitted, such as suspending governors or state assemblies. The President must then notify the National Assembly, which can approve or revoke the state of emergency.

Nigeria has a history of declaring states of emergency, including in 1962, 2004, 2011, and 2013. These declarations have been made in response to various crises, including political unrest, ethnic and religious conflicts, and terrorist attacks.

In the current situation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, deputy governor, and state assembly for six months. The President has also appointed a sole administrator to manage the state.

Section 305 of the Constitution outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared, including:

• War or imminent danger of invasion
• Breakdown of public order and safety
• Clear and present danger of breakdown
• Natural disasters or calamities
• Other public dangers threatening the Federation

The section also specifies the procedures for declaring and revoking a state of emergency, including the role of the National Assembly.