The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently rejected the imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, asserting that the President does not possess the authority to suspend a democratically elected governor.

In a statement released by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP's National Publicity Secretary, the party expressed its disapproval regarding President Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy for six months. The PDP contends that the President's declaration constitutes a serious violation of the 1999 Constitution.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the citizens of Nigeria listened with shock to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's national broadcast, wherein he brazenly imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State, acting in clear contravention of the 1999 Constitution. This move is an outright rejection of democratic principles, undermining the will and votes of the people of Rivers State. It seeks to dismantle a democratically elected government and enforce an undemocratic regime in the state,” the statement reads.

The PDP categorically states that President Tinubu's unilateral suspension of Governor Fubara and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as a caretaker governor is a flagrant assault on Nigeria's democracy, undermining the citizens' right to elect their leaders. The party sees this as part of a larger scheme aimed at destabilizing democratic governance in Rivers State and establishing a totalitarian regime across Nigeria.

The statement also emphasizes that the conditions in Rivers State do not warrant the declaration of a state of emergency under the 1999 Constitution, rendering such an action invalid. The PDP warns that this unwarranted declaration is part of a broader strategy to cultivate a culture of fear, weaken political opposition, and create a one-party state.

“Crucially, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which the President references for his declaration, does not grant him the unilateral power to impose a state of emergency without the necessary approval from the National Assembly. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) mandates that the President must transmit copies of the official proclamation to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who then must convene to consider and approve the proclamation," the statement clarifies.

The PDP insists that Mr. Tinubu's directive for an unelected individual to assume control in Rivers State is illegal and poses a significant risk to peace and stability both within the state and the nation at large. It underscores that Governor Fubara was duly elected for a four-year term, which cannot legally be curtailed by unconstitutional actions.

Finally, the PDP warns Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to adhere to constitutional principles and refrain from taking any actions that could undermine democratic governance in Rivers State. “Nigeria is not under military rule; governance should not be dictated by an appointed junta,” the party states. The party calls for a restoration of democratic norms and respect for the electorate's choice, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the rule of law and democratic integrity in Nigeria.