The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has vowed to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State in court, describing the move as unconstitutional and a direct assault on democracy.
The forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, accused the President of taking sides with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the political crisis that has engulfed the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PDP governors condemned Tinubu’s failure to address Wike’s alleged role in fueling the conflict, arguing that his silence has emboldened the minister to act unchecked.
They maintained that the President’s decision to suspend the duly elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly was a blatant violation of constitutional principles.
On Tuesday evening, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the need to restore order. As part of the decree, he appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s new administrator, effectively sidelining the democratic structures in the oil-rich state.
Within hours of the announcement, military forces took control of the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt, heightening tensions.
The PDP governors reacted with strong opposition, warning that they would not allow the unconstitutional suspension of democratic governance to go unchallenged.
“The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum is deeply concerned about the unconstitutional suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We reject this illegal action and will challenge it in court to uphold the rule of law,” the statement read.
The governors further accused the President of orchestrating the emergency rule to weaken the opposition and consolidate power.
“This blatant attack on democracy is a dangerous precedent that threatens the stability of Nigeria’s democratic system. The President’s decision is not only reckless but also a clear indication of political bias, as he continues to shield his ally, Nyesom Wike, from accountability,” the statement continued.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also condemned Tinubu’s decision, describing it as an unlawful usurpation of power. In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the NBA argued that suspending elected officials under the pretense of emergency rule was unconstitutional. The association reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The PDP governors aligned themselves with the NBA’s position, announcing their intention to seek legal redress. They vowed to challenge the President’s action based on Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared.
“The Forum will take this matter to court for judicial interpretation of Section 305 (3) of the Constitution. We will not stand idly by while democracy is trampled upon. This illegal and dictatorial move by President Tinubu cannot and will not stand,” the statement concluded.
As tensions escalate, the PDP governors reaffirmed their commitment to resisting any attempts to subvert Nigeria’s democratic institutions. They warned that any effort to override constitutional processes for political gain would be met with strong legal resistance.
