The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and an assault on democracy. The BoT has demanded the immediate reversal of the decision, which it argues violates Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
In a statement issued on Sunday by PDP BoT Chairman and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, the body decried the President’s move to suspend the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly members, replacing them with a Sole Administrator.
According to the BoT, the emergency rule is reminiscent of military-era governance and contradicts the principles of democracy. The statement read:
“This action is a gross violation of Nigeria’s Constitution – the foundational legal document that guarantees the rights of Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. It is an attack on the very essence of our Republic and deserves the strongest condemnation and corrective action by all well-meaning Nigerians, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community.”
Senator Wabara revealed that he had previously advised President Tinubu against imposing emergency rule in Rivers, warning of its potential to destabilize the country. He accused the President of disregarding democratic norms and setting a dangerous precedent.
The PDP BoT expressed dismay that President Tinubu, who once opposed a similar move by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013, has now embraced emergency rule for political gain. The statement described the decision as hypocritical and a calculated attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to take control of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is nothing short of hypocrisy and a well-orchestrated plan to hijack power from the Rivers State Governor in furtherance of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambition. It is a veiled plot for APC to take over Rivers State through unconstitutional means.”
The BoT stressed that the Nigerian Constitution, under Section 7(1), mandates that state governments must be formed through democratic elections and not presidential appointment. It further clarified that while Section 305 grants the President powers to declare a state of emergency, such powers are only applicable in extreme situations like war or insurrection, which Rivers State does not meet.
The PDP BoT also took issue with the National Assembly’s ratification of the emergency rule, criticizing the process as flawed and unconstitutional. It accused lawmakers of approving the decision via a voice vote instead of securing the constitutionally required two-thirds majority.
“The claims by the Speaker of the House of Representatives that there were 243 members on the register is laughable. Physical presence and voting are required for a two-thirds majority, not just names on a register. This is another travesty of justice, legislative rascality, and a rape of democracy.”
The BoT called on the National Assembly to defend democracy by rejecting executive overreach and ensuring that power remains with the people.
The PDP BoT further accused President Tinubu of bias, arguing that he unfairly blamed only Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the political crisis in Rivers while shielding other political actors. The statement suggested that the President’s intervention is an attempt to gain control of Rivers State’s resources under the guise of emergency governance.
“The struggle over the control of Rivers’ resources is the genesis of the political crisis rocking the state. It’s an open secret that those who see Governor Fubara as an obstacle to their unfettered access to Rivers’ Treasury have been pushing to remove him from office at all costs.”
The BoT also questioned the constitutionality of the President’s directive that the appointed Sole Administrator could formulate regulations subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council, calling it a ploy to centralize control over the state’s funds and governance.
In conclusion, the PDP BoT reaffirmed its unwavering support for Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State. It called on all democratic institutions, civil society groups, and the international community to resist what it termed an unconstitutional takeover of power.
“The Nigerian people deserve no less. The National Assembly must protect our democracy from executive strangulation, and all well-meaning Nigerians must rise to defend the rule of law.”
The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State continues to generate widespread debate, with various stakeholders urging caution and adherence to constitutional principles in resolving the matter.
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