The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed its strong disapproval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it a blatant violation of the 1999 Constitution. In a national broadcast, President Tinubu announced the suspension of the democratically elected Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to govern the state, actions the PDP deems unconstitutional and an affront to democracy.
The PDP firmly rejects what it describes as an attempt by the President to override the will of the people of Rivers State. The party asserts that the imposition of emergency rule undermines the democratic process and the rights of citizens to choose their leaders. “This unconstitutional declaration is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy and an abrogation of the votes and democratic rights of the people of Rivers State,” stated Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP.
Ologunagba further warns that this action reflects a dangerous trend towards state capture, suggesting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is orchestrating a crisis to forcibly take control of Rivers State and stifle democratic governance. The PDP emphasizes that the President’s justification for the emergency declaration is inadequate and renders the decision incompetent under the 1999 Constitution.
Highlighting the legal implications, the PDP points out that Section 305 of the Constitution does not grant the President unilateral authority to declare a state of emergency without the statutory approval of the National Assembly. The party insists that the President must adhere to constitutional protocols, which require immediate communication of the emergency proclamation to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for approval.
In a strong warning, the PDP cautions Vice Admiral Ibas against taking any actions that could undermine democratic governance in Rivers State. “Nigeria is not under military rule where governance is dictated by an appointed junta,” the party stated, reiterating that Governor Fubara was elected for a four-year term, which cannot be unconstitutionally abridged.
The PDP calls on all Nigerians to recognize the implications of this emergency declaration and to stand firm in defense of democracy and the rule of law.
This statement has been issued by Hon. Debo Ologunagba on behalf of the PDP. For further updates on this developing story, stay connected with Newspot Nigeria.
