BREAKING: PDP Governors Condemn Fubara’s Suspension, Oppose Emergency Rule in Rivers
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State has drawn criticism from the Governors’ Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The governors characterized the action as unjust, polarizing, and detrimental to democracy.
Citing the need to restore law and order, President Tinubu declared the emergency in a countrywide speech on Tuesday night. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and every elected member of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months as a result of this judgment.
Tinubu designated retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas to assume leadership of the state as part of the emergency measures.
In retaliation, the PDP Governors’ Forum, headed by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, issued a statement on Wednesday voicing grave concerns about the political situation in Rivers. Tinubu was accused by the forum of making matters worse instead of better.
The governors also chastised Tinubu for failing to address Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) minister, and his involvement in the issue. They contended that the president’s silence had permitted Wike to act without repercussions.
The forum expressed support for Rivers State residents and Governor Fubara, cautioning that halting democratic government is a risky decision that could jeopardize Nigeria’s democracy and stability.
“The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum notes with grave concern and utter misgiving the suspension of democratic rule in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast of Tuesday, 18th March, 2025,” the forum said in its statement.
The statement went on to say: “Today, the biggest threat to democracy in our beloved nation, Nigeria, is this unjustified but planned attack on Rivers State, the Peoples Democratic Party, and other opposition parties. It is a bad wind that will not benefit anyone.”
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Additionally, the governors noted that the suspension of elected officials has sparked concerns from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The NBA emphasized that constitutional requirements must be followed under a state of emergency.
The PDP Governors’ Forum endorsed the NBA’s stance and cautioned that Tinubu’s choice was undesirable and unconstitutional.
“The Forum fully supports the NBA and pledges to interpret Section 305(3) of the Constitution through the courts. The statement went on to say, “This authoritarian behavior is intolerable and cannot continue.”
