Politics
PDP Rejects Tinubu’s State Of Emergency In Rivers
By Benjamin Abioye
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an attempt to take control of the state.
The party described it as a deliberate plan to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was democratically elected, and replace him with someone who was not elected by the people.
In a statement released on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba condemned the declaration, stating that it goes against the 1999 Constitution. According to the PDP, President Tinubu does not have the constitutional power to suspend an elected governor and appoint an unelected individual to lead the state.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and indeed, Nigerians listened with dismay to the national broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in which the President, in utter violation of the 1999 Constitution, pronounced an imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State,” the statement read.
The PDP rejected the move, insisting that it undermines democracy by attempting to remove an elected government and install an unelected leader.
“The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), to govern the State is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy, an abrogation of the votes and democratic right of the people of Rivers State to choose their leader under the Constitution,” the statement continued.
The party further alleged that the move was part of a broader plan by the ruling party to take control of Rivers State by creating instability and undermining democracy in the region.
The PDP argued that there is no justifiable reason for the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, and it does not align with constitutional procedures.
“Nigerians are invited to note that the situation in Rivers State and the reasons adduced by the President cannot justify the declaration of a state of emergency in the State under the 1999 Constitution, rendering the declaration completely incompetent,” the statement added.
The PDP also claimed that the emergency declaration was part of a larger plan to suppress opposition parties and create a one-party state.
“The PDP alerts that the unwarranted imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is part of the larger vicious plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate opposition, impose a totalitarian one-party state, and turn the country into a fiefdom.”
The party emphasized that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which President Tinubu referenced, does not give him sole authority to declare a state of emergency without approval from the National Assembly.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) provides that ‘The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation including the details of the emergency to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation,’” the PDP stated.
The party warned that this decision could lead to unrest and instability, not just in Rivers State but across Nigeria. It urged Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the constitution and not take actions that could harm democracy in the country.
“Mr. President should recognize that his order to an unelected individual to forthwith take over government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis, threat to the peace and stability of not only Rivers State but the entire nation.”
The PDP stressed that Governor Fubara was elected for a four-year term and that his tenure should not be cut short unconstitutionally.
“The PDP therefore cautions Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and ensure that he does not take any action or step which is capable of derailing smooth democratic governance in Rivers State. Nigeria is not under a military rule where the governance of a state is by appointment by a junta,” the statement concluded.
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