PDP Governors Blast Tinubu Over Rivers State Emergency Declaration

Rivers State Emergency: PDP Governors Slam Tinubu's Decision

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum is firing back hard at President Bola Tinubu after he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. They're calling the move unstatesmanlike, biased, and divisive, and they're not holding back one bit. This isn't just a political disagreement—it's a full-blown clash that's rocking Nigeria's political landscape.

Naija News has learned that President Tinubu made the announcement on Tuesday evening, claiming it was necessary to restore law and order in the state. But here's the kicker: this declaration didn't just happen—it came with some serious consequences. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are now suspended for six months. That's right—six months. And to top it off, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the new administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs.

What the Governors Are Saying

In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, the forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, didn’t mince words. They’re deeply concerned about the political storm brewing in Rivers State, and they believe Tinubu’s actions have only made things worse. They're not just upset—they're outraged. The governors argued that President Tinubu’s silence on the role of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in the crisis has allowed things to spiral out of control.

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This isn’t just about politics—it’s about the rule of law and the principles of democracy. The PDP governors are standing firmly behind Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State. They see the suspension of democratic rule as a dangerous step backward, one that threatens the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. They're warning that such actions could destabilize the nation’s economy and security, creating more problems than solutions.

The Forum's Stance: Democracy Under Threat

The forum’s statement read: “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.” That’s a pretty clear message, right? But they didn’t stop there. They continued, saying: “This unwarranted but premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party and other opposition parties is today, the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country, Nigeria, and it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good.”

They're not alone in this fight. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also weighed in, expressing serious concerns about the suspension of elected officials. The NBA stressed that any declaration of a state of emergency must strictly adhere to constitutional limits. The PDP Governors’ Forum fully supports this stance, arguing that Tinubu’s decision is both unconstitutional and unacceptable.

Call for Reconsideration

In closing, the forum urged President Tinubu to take a step back and reconsider his decision. They believe he acted impulsively and made some serious mistakes that could have long-lasting consequences for Nigeria’s democracy. The statement read: “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.”

The PDP governors are calling on the president to listen to wise counsel and reverse the decision before it does even more damage to the country’s stability. They're sending a clear message: this isn't just about Rivers State—it's about the future of democracy in Nigeria. And they're not backing down anytime soon.