The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a firm rejection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, asserting that the President lacks the constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor.
In a press statement released yesterday (Tuesday) by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the party, the PDP expressed dismay over President Tinubu’s national broadcast, which they claim violates the 1999 Constitution. The party argues that this declaration undermines the will of the people of Rivers State, which has chosen its leaders through democratic processes.
The statement highlighted that the President’s decision to suspend the elected Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and appoint an unelected official, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), constitutes a direct attack on democracy. The PDP characterized this action as an attempt at “state capture” and a culmination of efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize the region and undermine democratic governance.
The PDP further emphasized that the reasons presented by the President do not justify the imposition of emergency rule, deeming the declaration legally incompetent. They pointed out that the 1999 Constitution does not grant the President unilateral power to declare a state of emergency without the approval of the National Assembly.
In the statement, the PDP cautioned that the imposition of emergency rule could create a “siege mentality” across Nigeria, aiming to suppress opposition and consolidate a one-party state. They reminded the President that Governor Fubara was elected for a four-year term, which cannot be unconstitutionally abridged.
The party concluded by urging Vice Admiral Ibas to respect the Constitution and refrain from actions that could disrupt democratic governance in Rivers State, emphasizing that Nigeria is not under military rule.
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