Prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, have called on the National Assembly to reject President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
During a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Atiku criticized the decision, accusing President Tinubu of exploiting Section 305 of the Constitution to advance political interests under the pretense of restoring stability in the state.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional declaration and reinstate the legitimately elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Atiku stated.
He also urged lawmakers to resist the move when it is presented before them, warning that endorsing it would amount to legitimizing a constitutional violation.
“The National Assembly must take a stand on the right side of history and refuse to be used as an instrument to validate this unlawful action,” he added.
Rivers State has been at the center of a deepening political conflict, largely driven by a power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leading to a governance deadlock in the oil-producing state.
In a national address on Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the need to restore peace. The proclamation resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was named as the interim administrator.
Following the announcement, military forces reportedly took control of the Government House in Port Harcourt. While Governor Fubara appealed for calm, the Rivers State House of Assembly publicly supported the President’s decision.
The press briefing was attended by key figures, including Peter Obi’s representative Yunusa Tanko, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) National Secretary Peter Ahmeh, and Segun Showunmi, convener of The Alternative.
Additionally, apologies were conveyed on behalf of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, who were unable to attend.
Further developments to follow…
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