Why Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers can’t stand – PDP

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Tinubu lauds NASS for ratifying state of emergency in Rivers

ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, insisting that it violates the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and cannot stand.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, after an emergency meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC), PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, stated that President Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly.

Ologunagba emphasized that no section of the Constitution grants the President the power to suspend or remove an elected governor under a state of emergency.

“There is no provision in the Nigerian Constitution that gives President Tinubu the power to sack a duly elected governor, his deputy, or the State Assembly. This is a brazen violation of democracy and must be rejected by all Nigerians.”

The PDP further argued that Tinubu’s action sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

The party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of deliberately orchestrating the crisis in Rivers State to justify an illegal power grab.

“It is now clear that the Rivers State crisis was manufactured to create a pretext for this unconstitutional action. The President is abusing power to weaken opposition-controlled states and impose a one-party dictatorship.”

The PDP called on: The National Assembly to reject the state of emergency and prevent the illegal removal of Governor Fubara.

The Supreme Court to uphold the Constitution and declare Tinubu’s action null and void.

The international community to intervene and protect Nigeria’s democracy.

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“This reckless abuse of power must be resisted. Nigeria is a democracy, not a dictatorship. We call on all democratic forces to reject this illegality.”

The PDP vowed to challenge the State of Emergency through all legal and political means to ensure that democracy is protected in Rivers State and across Nigeria.