PDP Governors Reject Tinubu’s Intervention: ‘We Stand With Fubara Against This Injustice

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it unstatesmanlike, biased, and divisive.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

On Tuesday evening, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the need to restore law and order. The move, announced during a nationwide broadcast, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the forum, headed by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, expressed deep concern over the political situation in Rivers State, which it believes has been worsened by Tinubu’s actions.

The forum specifically criticized Tinubu for his silence regarding the role of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in the crisis. They accused Wike of operating as a law unto himself due to the president’s passive approach and enabling behavior.

The PDP governors expressed strong support for Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State, denouncing the suspension of democratic rule as a dangerous and regressive move. They warned that such actions would threaten Nigeria’s democracy, escalate political crises, and destabilize the country’s economy and security.

The statement from the forum read: “The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum notes with grave concern and utter dismay the suspension of democratic rule in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast of Tuesday, March 18, 2025.”

It continued: “This unwarranted and premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party, along with other opposition parties, represents the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country, Nigeria, and it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good.”

The forum also referenced the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) response, which raised concerns about the suspension of elected officials and emphasized that the declaration of a state of emergency must stay within constitutional boundaries. The PDP governors aligned themselves with the NBA’s position, calling the decision unconstitutional and unacceptable.

In conclusion, the forum urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision, admitting that his actions were hasty and flawed.

“The Forum fully supports the NBA and advocates for judicial interpretation of Section 305 (3) of the Constitution. This authoritarian maneuver is unacceptable and cannot stand,” the statement concluded.

The PDP governors called on the president to heed counsel and reverse the decision before it further damages Nigeria’s democracy and stability.