PDP and Atiku Condemn Tinubu’s Declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers State
Opposition Calls State of Emergency a “Political Power Grab”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it unconstitutional and an attack on democracy. In a statement issued on Tuesday, PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba condemned President Bola Tinubu’s move, emphasizing that the President lacks the constitutional authority to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara or impose an unelected leader.
PDP Rejects Tinubu’s Actions, Calls It an Assault on Democracy
According to Ologunagba, the President’s suspension of Governor Fubara and appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to govern the state is a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution and an orchestrated attempt to seize control of Rivers State.
“This unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu is a clear attack on democracy, an abrogation of the rights of Rivers people, and a blatant power grab. It is the climax of a well-coordinated plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize the state and impose its will through political manipulation,” Ologunagba stated.
He further accused the ruling party of stoking crisis in Rivers State as part of a broader plan to weaken opposition forces, consolidate power, and move towards a one-party dictatorship.
Constitutional Violation? PDP Cites Section 305
The PDP spokesperson argued that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which the President allegedly relied upon, does not grant him unilateral powers to declare or enforce emergency rule without the National Assembly’s approval.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) clearly states that after the proclamation of a state of emergency, the President must immediately transmit the details to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall convene their respective houses to debate and approve or reject the declaration,” he explained.
HE. Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, former Vice President and former PDP Presidential Candidate
Atiku Abubakar: “This Is a Political Manipulation”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned Tinubu’s actions, describing the state of emergency as a dangerous precedent and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
In a strongly worded statement on his verified Facebook page, Atiku accused Tinubu of playing partisan politics instead of acting as a neutral leader.
“Anyone paying attention to the crisis in Rivers State knows that Tinubu has been a partisan actor, actively fueling the political turmoil instead of preventing it. His refusal—or deliberate negligence—has led to this escalation,” Atiku wrote.
He also criticized the federal government for allowing security breaches in Rivers State that led to the destruction of national infrastructure.
“If federal infrastructure in Rivers State has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility. It is unacceptable that under his watch, the Niger Delta is being dragged back into violent unrest, undoing years of peace-building efforts made under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua,” Atiku stated.
“Punishing the people of Rivers State to advance a political agenda is a betrayal of democracy and must be resisted at all costs.”
Governor of Rivers state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara
What’s Next for Rivers State?
The political landscape in Rivers remains highly volatile, with PDP, opposition leaders, and civil society groups expected to challenge the emergency rule through legal and legislative avenues. As the National Assembly deliberates on Tinubu’s emergency proclamation, all eyes will be on whether the move is reversed or upheld.
With growing backlash from opposition figures and legal experts, the battle for Rivers State’s political future is far from over.
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