PDP Rejects Emergency Rule in Rivers, Says Tinubu Lacks Powers to Suspend Elected Governor

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly rejected the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as an unconstitutional move to override the 1999 Constitution and impose an unelected administration.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP condemned the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to govern the state, calling it a blatant attack on democracy and an attempt at state capture.

The party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of engineering a crisis in Rivers State as part of a broader plan to suppress opposition and establish a totalitarian one-party system.

The PDP further argued that the reasons given by President Tinubu do not justify an emergency declaration under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that the President lacks the exclusive authority to impose emergency rule without National Assembly approval.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) mandates that any such proclamation must be transmitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for legislative approval,” the statement read.

The PDP warned that the order to an unelected individual to take over governance in Rivers State is illegal and poses a serious threat to national peace and stability.

The party insisted that Governor Fubara’s four-year mandate cannot be unconstitutionally abridged and urged Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and avoid actions that could derail democracy.

“Nigeria is not under military rule, where state governance is determined by junta appointments,” the PDP declared.

Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary