The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly opposed the imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State, asserting that President Bola Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to suspend the state’s democratically elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statement on Tuesday, PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba described Tinubu’s proclamation as a violation of the 1999 Constitution.
“The unconstitutional suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), to govern Rivers State is a direct attack on democracy,” Ologunagba stated.
He further accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a crisis in Rivers State to undermine democracy and forcefully take control of the state.
“The imposition of emergency rule is part of a larger plot to instill a siege mentality across Nigeria, weaken the opposition, and establish a one-party totalitarian state,” the statement read.
The PDP also argued that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which Tinubu cited in his declaration, does not grant him unilateral powers to impose or enforce a state of emergency without approval from the National Assembly.
Citing the constitutional provision, Ologunagba noted, “Section 305(2) clearly states that after making such a proclamation, the President must immediately transmit it to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who must then convene their respective houses to deliberate and decide whether to approve the declaration.”
