A Political Storm Brews in Rivers State
The political landscape in Nigeria has been thrown into turmoil following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The announcement, which includes the suspension of democratically elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy for six months, has sparked outrage from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The main opposition party has vehemently rejected the move, calling it a blatant violation of the 1999 Constitution and an attack on Nigeria’s democracy.
PDP’s Strong Rejection: A Violation of Democratic Principles
In a strongly worded statement issued by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, the party condemned President Tinubu’s decision as an overreach of executive power. The PDP argued that the President lacks the constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor and impose an unelected administrator, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), to govern the state.
“The PDP outrightly rejects this attempt by the President to override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and undermine the votes and will of the people of Rivers State,” the statement read. The party described the move as a “clear attack on our nation’s democracy” and an “abrogation of the votes and democratic right of the people of Rivers State to choose their leader under the Constitution.”
A Plot to Undermine Democracy?
The PDP accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a “well-oiled plot” to destabilize Rivers State and forcefully take over its governance. According to the party, the declaration of a state of emergency is the “climax of a vicious plot” to decimate opposition and impose a one-party state in Nigeria.
“The unwarranted imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is part of the larger vicious plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate opposition, impose a totalitarian one-party state, and turn the country into a fiefdom,” the PDP warned.
Constitutional Breach: PDP Cites Section 305
The PDP emphasized that President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency is unconstitutional, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. According to the party, the President failed to follow due process by not seeking the approval of the National Assembly before making the declaration.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) provides that the President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives,” the statement explained. The PDP argued that the President’s unilateral action renders the declaration “completely incompetent.”
A Call for Restraint and Respect for Democracy
The PDP called on Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd), the appointed administrator, to respect the Constitution and avoid actions that could derail democratic governance in Rivers State. The party reminded Nigerians that the country is no longer under military rule, where state governance could be determined by executive fiat.
“Nigeria is not under a military rule where the governance of a state is by appointment by a junta,” the PDP stated. “Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years, which tenure cannot be unconstitutionally abridged.”
The Bigger Picture: A Threat to National Stability
The PDP warned that the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s peace and stability. The party described the move as a “recipe for crisis” that threatens not only Rivers State but the entire nation.
“Mr. President should recognize that his order to an unelected individual to forthwith take over the government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis,” the statement read. The PDP urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist any attempts to undermine the country’s democratic institutions.
Read also: President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State”
A Battle for Democracy
The PDP’s rejection of President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State highlights the growing tension between Nigeria’s ruling party and the opposition. As the political drama unfolds, the situation raises critical questions about the rule of law, constitutional governance, and the future of democracy in Nigeria.
For now, the PDP remains steadfast in its defense of Governor Fubara’s mandate and the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State. The party’s stance serves as a rallying cry for all Nigerians who value democracy and the sanctity of the ballot box.
