The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has fiercely rejected President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an illegal move that undermines democracy and disregards the Nigerian Constitution.
In a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, accused the President of exercising powers he does not have by suspending a democratically elected governor and appointing a military official to govern the state.
“The PDP and indeed Nigerians watched in disbelief as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a blatant violation of the 1999 Constitution, unilaterally imposed emergency rule on Rivers State,” Ologunagba stated.
He condemned the President’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and replace him with retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, describing it as an “unconstitutional coup against democracy.”
“This is nothing short of a calculated attempt to capture Rivers State by force. The APC has long sought to destabilize the state, and now, under the guise of emergency rule, they are making a desperate power grab,” he added.
Ologunagba argued that the situation in Rivers does not meet the constitutional requirements for emergency rule, warning that this move could set a dangerous precedent for other opposition-controlled states.
“The imposition of emergency rule in Rivers is part of a larger plan to suppress opposition voices, establish a one-party dictatorship, and subvert democratic governance in Nigeria,” he claimed.
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, he insisted that Tinubu does not have the authority to impose emergency rule without National Assembly approval.
“For emphasis, Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a four-year term, and his tenure cannot be unlawfully cut short,” Ologunagba stated, warning that any attempt by Ibas to assume control would spark a constitutional crisis.
He urged Nigerians to resist any attempt to return the country to a military-style dictatorship.
“Nigeria is not under military rule, and the governance of any state cannot be handed over like an appointment from a military junta,” he declared.
The PDP’s rejection of the emergency rule signals a brewing legal and political showdown as opposition forces prepare to challenge the move.
