The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, condemning it as an unconstitutional overreach that endangers Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the opposition party accused the President of undermining the people’s mandate by suspending a democratically elected governor and installing an unelected administrator.
The PDP remarked that President Tinubu’s unconstitutional announcement regarding the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and the appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), to lead the State represents a blatant assault on the democracy of our nation.
The party also claimed that this action was part of a larger plan to weaken states that are governed by the opposition.
The PDP also challenged the legality of Tinubu’s action, referencing the provisions of the 1999 Constitution regarding the declaration of a state of emergency.
“For clarity, Section 305(2) states: ‘The President shall, immediately after publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation—containing the proclamation and details of the emergency—to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives,’ the party emphasized.”
The PDP cautioned that the situation could lead to increased political instability and urged the President to reconsider his decision.
“The statement warned that the President’s directive for an unelected individual to immediately assume control of the Rivers State government is unlawful and a clear trigger for crisis.”
Amid rising tensions, the party urged Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to uphold democratic principles and refrain from actions that could further escalate the situation.
“The PDP asserted that Nigeria is not under military rule, where a junta appoints state leaders.”
