The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, insisting that Sim Fubara remains the legitimate Governor. The PDP argues that the Nigerian Constitution does not give President Tinubu the authority to remove an elected governor or dissolve the state assembly through such a measure.
At a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba made it clear that President Tinubu’s actions violate several sections of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. He pointed out that the Constitution only allows for a governor’s tenure to be cut short by death, resignation, incapacitation, or impeachment—not by suspension imposed by the President.
On Tuesday evening, President Tinubu announced the state of emergency, citing the need for order in Rivers State amid prolonged political unrest. This declaration led to the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. Additionally, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as the state’s administrator. Soon after the announcement, military forces took control of the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt, escalating tensions in the region.
While Governor Fubara expressed his concerns and called for calm, the Rivers State House of Assembly supported Tinubu’s decision. However, Ologunagba emphasized that the president’s actions represent an attempt to suspend the Constitution and dismantle the democratic government in Rivers. He urged the National Assembly to take action against what he described as a constitutional violation.
The PDP also reminded President Tinubu of his responsibility to unite the nation and resolve crises, rather than worsening the situation in Rivers State. The party warned that this move could have ulterior political motives and called on the military and other security agencies to remain neutral, focusing on their constitutional duty to protect democracy.
Emma Ogidi, PDP South-South Caretaker Committee Chairman, also criticized President Tinubu’s speech, accusing him of focusing solely on Governor Fubara’s actions while ignoring the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in escalating the crisis. Ogidi argued that Wike’s influence had contributed to the turmoil in Rivers and that the President had failed to address his involvement.
The PDP is urging its members in the National Assembly to stand firm against the state of emergency and continue to support Governor Fubara as the duly elected leader of Rivers State. The party also cautioned against any attempts to use the military for political purposes, emphasizing that security forces must protect democracy, not undermine it.
As the political drama continues to unfold in Rivers, the PDP remains resolute in its support for Fubara and vows to fight any unconstitutional attempts to destabilize the state.
