By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has rejected the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and vowed to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s decision in court. The forum described the move as unconstitutional, undemocratic, and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that the federal government had imposed emergency rule in the oil-rich state, allegedly leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials. The PDP governors have condemned the action, insisting that President Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to remove a duly elected governor.
In a strongly worded statement, the forum stated, “There is no provision in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that empowers the president to unilaterally remove a sitting governor under the guise of emergency rule. Such a move is undemocratic and a dangerous precedent that undermines Nigeria’s federal system.”
The governors further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a political crisis in Rivers State to weaken the opposition. They warned that the PDP will explore all legal options to challenge what they called “executive lawlessness.”
NBA, Civil Society Groups Condemn the Move
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also weighed in on the matter, describing the suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional. The NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), stated that emergency rule should not be used as a tool for political suppression. “The rule of law must be upheld at all times. Any action taken outside the provisions of the Constitution is null and void,” he said.
Civil society groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have also condemned the alleged emergency rule, calling on the National Assembly to intervene and prevent what they described as “an erosion of democratic governance.”
Growing Political Tension in Rivers
Rivers State has been a hotbed of political tension following a fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The crisis has resulted in political realignments and the defection of lawmakers between the PDP and APC. Observers believe that the federal government’s involvement in the state’s affairs could further escalate the situation.
The PDPGF has urged Nigerians and the international community to resist any attempt to undermine democracy in the country. They also called on the judiciary to remain impartial and ensure that justice prevails in the looming legal battle.
As the political drama unfolds, legal experts argue that the outcome of this case could set a critical precedent for the balance of power between the federal government and state governments in Nigeria’s democracy.
