Badamasi Bello, Jadetimes Staff
B. Bello is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Nigerian News
Abuja, Nigeria – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently rejected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an unconstitutional overreach and a blatant attack on Nigeria’s democracy. In a press statement issued on March 18, 2025, the PDP condemned the suspension of democratically elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retired) as Administrator of the state, calling it a “state capture” attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
PDP’s Strong Opposition
The PDP accused President Tinubu of violating the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by declaring a state of emergency and suspending Governor Fubara without due process. The party argued that the President’s actions undermine the will of the people of Rivers State, who democratically elected Fubara for a four-year term.
“The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State and the appointment of an unelected individual to govern the state is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy,” the statement read. “It is an abrogation of the votes and democratic rights of the people of Rivers State to choose their leader under the Constitution.”
The PDP further accused the APC of orchestrating the crisis in Rivers State to destabilize the opposition and impose a one-party state. “The action of Mr. President clearly borders on an attempt at state capture. It is the climax of a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers State,” the party stated.
Constitutional Concerns
The PDP highlighted that the declaration of a state of emergency under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution requires the approval of the National Assembly. The party noted that President Tinubu’s unilateral decision to suspend the governor and appoint an administrator without legislative approval is illegal and undermines the rule of law.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) provides that the President shall transmit copies of the proclamation to the National Assembly, which shall decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation,” the statement read. “Mr. President’s order to an unelected individual to take over the government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis.”
Warning to Vice Admiral Ibas
The PDP cautioned Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retired) against accepting the appointment, urging him to respect the Constitution and avoid actions that could derail democratic governance in Rivers State. “Nigeria is not under military rule where the governance of a state is by appointment by a junta,” the party warned.
Broader Implications for Democracy
The PDP’s statement reflects growing concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the concentration of power in the executive branch. The party warned that the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is part of a larger plot to decimate opposition parties and impose a totalitarian regime in Nigeria.
“The unwarranted imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is part of the larger vicious plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate opposition, impose a totalitarian one-party state, and turn the country into a fiefdom,” the PDP declared.
Calls for Restraint and Constitutional Compliance
The PDP called on President Tinubu to reverse his decision and respect the constitutional rights of the people of Rivers State. The party also urged the National Assembly to uphold its constitutional mandate by rejecting the state of emergency declaration and ensuring that democratic governance is preserved.
“Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years, which tenure cannot be unconstitutionally abridged,” the statement emphasized.
What’s Next?
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has plunged Nigeria into a constitutional crisis, with the PDP and other stakeholders demanding accountability and adherence to the rule of law. As the situation unfolds, the actions of the National Assembly and the judiciary will be critical in determining the outcome of this high-stakes political battle.
For now, the PDP’s rejection of the emergency rule underscores the deepening divide between Nigeria’s ruling party and the opposition, raising questions about the future of democracy in the country
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