The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly opposed any move to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing that President Bola Tinubu lacks the constitutional power to suspend a democratically elected governor.
The rejection comes amid heightened political tension in the state, following reports suggesting that the Federal Government might consider emergency rule as a response to the deepening crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and political stakeholders. The PDP has condemned such discussions, describing them as anti-democratic and unconstitutional.
In a firm statement, the opposition party reiterated that any attempt to override the democratic process in Rivers State would be met with strong resistance, as the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the President unilateral powers to remove or suspend an elected governor.
“The imposition of a state of emergency is not only unnecessary but also an affront to democracy. There is no justification for such an extreme measure in Rivers State. Any attempt to forcefully remove Governor Fubara or interfere with the democratic governance of the state will amount to a gross violation of constitutional provisions,” the PDP declared.
The party further urged President Tinubu to uphold the rule of law and refrain from actions that could destabilize Rivers State or set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. It called on all stakeholders, including security agencies, to respect the autonomy of the state government and seek peaceful resolutions to the ongoing crisis.
The PDP’s stance aligns with growing concerns from political analysts and civil society organizations, who have warned that invoking emergency powers in Rivers could trigger unrest and undermine democratic principles.
As tensions persist, all eyes remain on the Federal Government’s next course of action, with many expecting President Tinubu to clarify his administration’s position on the matter.
