The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly opposed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it violates constitutional provisions and undermines democracy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP condemned the president’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appoint Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) in his place.
The party described the move as an unconstitutional attempt to seize control of the state and warned that it could destabilize Nigeria’s democracy.
“The PDP outrightly rejects this attempt by the President to override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and undermine the votes and will of the people of Rivers State by seeking to depose a democratic government and foist an undemocratic rule in the state,” the statement read.
The declaration has been met with widespread criticism, as the PDP insists that Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally remove an elected governor.
According to the party, the 1999 Constitution does not grant the president the power to impose an unelected administrator over a state.
“This unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appointing an unelected individual to govern the state is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy,” the PDP asserted.
The party further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the crisis in Rivers State as part of a larger plan to weaken opposition forces and tighten its grip on power.
“The action of Mr. President clearly borders on an attempt at state capture. It is the climax of a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers State, for which the APC has been bent on stoking crisis to ensure that democracy is ultimately truncated in the state,” the statement added.
The PDP has also questioned the legality of the emergency declaration, arguing that it does not meet the requirements set out in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
The party insists that Tinubu’s actions lack the necessary approval from the National Assembly, which is required before emergency rule can be imposed.
“The reasons adduced by the President cannot justify the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State under the 1999 Constitution, rendering the declaration completely incompetent,” the PDP maintained.
For clarity, the party cited Section 305 (2) of the Constitution, which states that the president must submit the declaration to the National Assembly for approval.
Without legislative backing, the PDP contends that Tinubu’s actions remain unconstitutional.
Amid rising political tensions, the PDP has urged calm and called on civil society organizations and the international community to resist what it described as an “assault on democracy.”
The party warned that the move could set a dangerous precedent that threatens governance in Nigeria.
“Mr. President should recognize that his order to an unelected individual to take over the government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis, a threat to the peace and stability of not only Rivers State but the entire nation,” the statement read.
The PDP also advised Vice Admiral Ibas against assuming office, stating that any attempt to govern Rivers State outside the democratic process would face strong resistance.
“For emphasis, Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years, which cannot be unconstitutionally abridged,” the PDP asserted.
“Nigeria is not under military rule, where the governance of a state is by appointment by a junta.”
The PDP concluded by urging Nigerians to stand against what it called an unconstitutional power grab.
Furthermore, the party emphasized that the people of Rivers State should have the final say on their leadership, not an imposed directive from the presidency.
