The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and many Nigerians were shocked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national broadcast, where he announced a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The PDP strongly opposes this decision, calling it a clear violation of the 1999 Constitution.
According to the party, the President has no right to override the Constitution and remove a democratically elected government. They argue that his move to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appoint Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the new leader is unconstitutional. The PDP sees this action as a direct attack on democracy and an attempt to take control of the state by force.
The party believes this decision is part of a larger plan by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to create chaos in Rivers State and undermine democracy. They insist that the reasons given by the President do not justify declaring a state of emergency under the 1999 Constitution, making the declaration invalid.
Furthermore, the PDP warns that this move is part of a bigger strategy to weaken opposition parties, establish a one-party system, and impose totalitarian rule across Nigeria. They argue that nothing in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution gives the President the sole authority to declare or enforce a state of emergency without the approval of the National Assembly.
For clarity, the PDP refers to Section 305 (2) of the Constitution, which states that after proclaiming a state of emergency, the President must immediately inform the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. These officials must then convene their respective Houses to review and decide whether to approve the proclamation.
The party insists that President Tinubu’s order for an unelected individual to take over Rivers State’s government is illegal and could lead to serious crisis, affecting not just the state but the entire country. They stress that Governor Fubara was elected for a four-year term, and this term cannot be cut short unlawfully.
Finally, the PDP warns Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and avoid any actions that could disrupt democratic governance in Rivers State. They remind him that Nigeria is not under military rule, where leaders are appointed by force.
