PANDEF Reacts with Shock And Alarm To Tinubu’s Unprecedented State OF Emergency In Rivers

In a televised address on Tuesday, President Tinubu declared the state of emergency, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. He also appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.

PANDEF, in a statement issued by its National Spokesman, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, described the decision as “alarming” and voiced concerns over its potential consequences. The organization, which represents the South-South geopolitical zone, pledged to closely monitor the unfolding situation and release an official stance in due course.

The statement read: “PANDEF is seriously alarmed by the state of emergency declared in Rivers State over a crisis that could have been avoided. We are studying the situation and will announce PANDEF’s position soon.”

The declaration followed a prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration had been involved in constitutional violations, including the illegal dissolution of the state legislature and widespread unrest. Despite numerous interventions, including a ruling by the Supreme Court in February 2025, the situation remained unresolved.

In February, the Supreme Court declared that there was no functional government in Rivers State due to Fubara’s actions, which had “collapsed” the state legislature. The court ruled that a government cannot exist without one of its three arms and that Fubara’s actions made the state’s leadership unconstitutional. The court also instructed that 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), should resume their legislative duties. However, despite this ruling, the state leadership has failed to comply, including with the passage of the state’s 2025 budget.