Rivers Set For Groundbreaking Press Conference with Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, And Amaechi – What’s At Stake

Published March 20, 2025 at 9:03 AM

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will lead opposition political leaders in a world press conference today, Thursday, to address the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly. The suspension sparked widespread criticism from Atiku, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), through its president, Afam Osigwe (SAN), also condemned the President’s decision. Meanwhile, Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the move, stating it was within the President’s constitutional rights and aimed at preventing the impeachment of Fubara.

Atiku’s Special Assistant on Media (Broadcast), Abdula Rasheeth, confirmed the press conference will take place at 10:00 am at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, with Amaechi, El-Rufai, and Obi joining him.

The statement from Atiku’s office read: “His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Vice President of Nigeria 1999 – 2007, will lead a Joint Press Conference today, Thursday, March 20, 2025, alongside Concerned Leaders and Political Stakeholders in Nigeria regarding the unconstitutional declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”