The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has condemned President Bola Tinubu over his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unstatesmanlike, biased, and divisive.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, March 19, the forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, accused the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, of becoming “a law unto himself” under Tinubu’s administration.
Political Crisis in Rivers State
For nearly two years, Rivers State has been embroiled in a power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leading to governance paralysis in the oil-rich state.
In response, President Tinubu, on Tuesday evening, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending:
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara
- Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu
- All elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly
Tinubu also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state administrator to oversee governance. Within hours, soldiers took over the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.
PDP Governors Demand Reversal
Reacting to the development, PDP governors condemned the move, calling it a direct attack on democracy.
In a statement, the forum said:
“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.
“We stand in solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state’s political history.
“He who goes to the court of equity must go with clean hands. Mr. President, your silence on the active role played by your Minister of the FCT in the Rivers impasse is golden and enabling. He has become a law unto himself because he was playing out your script. Now we know. This is totally unstatemanly, biased, and divisive.”
NBA Expresses Concern Over Constitutional Breach
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has also voiced opposition to Tinubu’s decision, calling it unconstitutional.
“A state of emergency is an extraordinary measure that must be invoked strictly within constitutional limits. The removal of elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule is unconstitutional and unacceptable.”
In response, the PDP Governors’ Forum aligned with the NBA, vowing to challenge Section 305 (3) of the Constitution in court.
“The Forum completely aligns itself with the NBA and promises to subject Section 305 (3) of the Constitution to judicial interpretation. This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand.
“Mr. President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grievous mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late.”
Rising Political Tensions and National Implications
With military presence in Rivers State and strong opposition from PDP governors and legal experts, Tinubu’s decision has sparked nationwide debates on the future of democracy in Nigeria.
As political stakeholders await Tinubu’s next move, all eyes remain on the judiciary and constitutional experts to determine the legality of the emergency rule declaration.
