The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as unconstitutional and an attempt to undermine democracy.
The opposition party made this known in a press statement issued on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba.
In a national broadcast, President Tinubu announced the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, citing the ongoing political crisis in the region.
However, the PDP criticized the move, insisting that it violates the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and threatens the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State.
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Constitutional violation and threat to democracy
According to the PDP, the President’s action effectively suspends the duly elected Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and replaces him with Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), an unelected official. The party argued that such a move is not only unconstitutional but also an attempt at what it described as “state capture.”
“The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appointment of an unelected individual to govern the state is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy,” the statement read.
The opposition party further alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had been deliberately fueling the crisis in Rivers State as part of a broader strategy to take control of the state by force. The party warned that such political maneuvers could destabilize the region and threaten national peace and stability.
Questioning the Justification for Emergency Rule
Furthermore, Ologunagba challenged the justification for the emergency rule, asserting that the situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional threshold required for such a drastic measure.
Referencing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the process for declaring a state of emergency. It emphasized that the President does not have unilateral powers to impose emergency rule without the approval of the National Assembly.
“The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation… to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives,” the PDP stated, quoting the Constitution.
The opposition party maintained that President Tinubu’s declaration was “completely incompetent” and warned that it could set a dangerous precedent for the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Call for Adherence to Democratic Principles
In its statement, the PDP urged Vice Admiral Ibas to refrain from assuming office, warning that any attempt to do so would be viewed as an endorsement of unconstitutional governance.
The party also reiterated that Governor Fubara was elected for a four-year term and that his mandate cannot be arbitrarily cut short by executive fiat.
“Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years, which cannot be unconstitutionally abridged,” the PDP emphasized.
Furthermore, Ologunagba cautioned against any actions that might derail democratic governance in Rivers State, reminding all stakeholders that Nigeria remains a democracy and not a military regime where governors can be appointed by executive order.
