By Muhammad Farouk The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emerge...
By Muhammad Farouk
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional move aimed at undermining democracy.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the PDP rejected what it described as an attempt to “override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)” and “foist an undemocratic rule” on the state.
“The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), to govern the state is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy,” the statement, signed by PDP National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba, read.
The opposition party accused Tinubu of attempting a "state capture," arguing that the imposition of emergency rule was part of a broader plan to subdue political opposition and establish a one-party state.
“Nigerians are invited to note that the situation in Rivers State and the reasons adduced by the President cannot justify the declaration of a state of emergency,” the PDP stated, insisting that the move was “completely incompetent” under the 1999 Constitution.
Citing Section 305 of the Constitution, the PDP emphasized that Tinubu lacks the unilateral authority to impose emergency rule without approval from the National Assembly.
“Mr. President should recognize that his order to an unelected individual to take over the government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis,” the party warned, adding that Governor Fubara’s four-year democratic mandate “cannot be unconstitutionally abridged.”
The PDP further cautioned Vice Admiral Ibas against assuming office, stating that Nigeria is not under military rule.
The Tinubu administration has yet to respond to the PDP’s statement.
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