The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently rejected the imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the move as an unconstitutional attempt to undermine democracy and the will of the people. In a press statement issued on March 18, 2025, the PDP condemned President Tinubu’s national broadcast, in which he declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended the democratically elected Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The PDP accused President Tinubu of violating the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) by unilaterally declaring a state of emergency without the statutory approval of the National Assembly. The party also criticized the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as an unelected administrator to govern the state, calling it an undemocratic and illegal act that threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State and the nation at large.
According to the PDP, the declaration of a state of emergency is a culmination of a well-orchestrated plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to forcefully take over Rivers State. The party alleged that the APC has been stoking crises in the state to create a pretext for undermining democratic governance and imposing a one-party rule in Nigeria.
The PDP emphasized that the situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional requirements for declaring a state of emergency under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. The party further noted that President Tinubu failed to follow due process by not transmitting the proclamation to the National Assembly for approval, as required by law.
“The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the appointment of an unelected individual to govern the state is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy,” the PDP stated. “It is an abrogation of the votes and democratic rights of the people of Rivers State to choose their leader under the Constitution.”
The PDP warned that the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is part of a broader agenda to decimate opposition parties, impose a totalitarian one-party state, and turn Nigeria into a fiefdom. The party called on Nigerians to resist what it described as an attempt at “state capture” and to defend democracy and the rule of law.
The PDP also cautioned Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and refrain from taking any actions that could derail democratic governance in Rivers State. The party reminded him that Nigeria is not under military rule, where the governance of a state is determined by appointment.
“Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years, which cannot be unconstitutionally abridged,” the PDP stated. “The PDP therefore cautions Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and ensure that he does not take any action or step which is capable of derailing smooth democratic governance in Rivers State.”
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The PDP called on the National Assembly to intervene and uphold the Constitution by rejecting President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The party also urged the international community, including the United Nations and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, to take note of the unfolding situation and support the preservation of democracy in Nigeria.
The press statement was signed by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, who reiterated the party’s commitment to defending democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
As the political crisis in Rivers State deepens, the PDP’s rejection of emergency rule and its call for constitutional adherence have set the stage for a potential showdown between the opposition party and the APC-led federal government. The situation raises concerns about the future of democracy in Nigeria and the potential for further political instability in the country.
