PDP Rejects State Of Emergency In Rivers State, Calls Action Unconstitutional.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an “utter violation of the 1999 Constitution.” The party accused President Bola Tinubu of undermining democracy by attempting to remove the duly elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and imposing an unelected official, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), as the state’s administrator.
PDP Alleges Political Takeover Plot
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP asserted that the president’s decision was part of a broader plan to seize control of Rivers State. The party claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been orchestrating a crisis to justify imposing emergency rule and ultimately subverting democracy in the state.
The PDP maintained that the situation in Rivers did not meet the constitutional requirements for a state of emergency under the 1999 Constitution, rendering the president’s decision “completely incompetent.”
Constitutional Violations and Democratic Threats
Citing Section 305 of the Constitution, the PDP argued that the president lacked the unilateral authority to enforce an emergency declaration without the approval of the National Assembly. The party referenced Section 305 (2), which mandates that such proclamations must be formally transmitted to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for legislative consideration and approval.
The PDP further alleged that the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State was part of a wider strategy to stifle opposition, weaken democratic institutions, and establish a one-party state in Nigeria.
Call For Reversal and Respect For Democracy
Urging President Tinubu to reverse the directive, the PDP insisted that Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a four-year tenure, which could not be “unconstitutionally abridged.” The party also warned Vice Admiral Ibas against assuming an unconstitutional role, cautioning that any such move could threaten peace and stability not only in Rivers State but across the nation.
“Nigeria is not under military rule,” the PDP declared, emphasising that governance must remain within the framework of democratic principles and constitutional order.
