The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new turn as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum moves to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
The controversial decision, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly, has sparked nationwide debate and deepened the existing political divide in the country.
Tinubu Declares State of Emergency
President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State came as a shock to many, as it marked a significant escalation in the political turmoil that had plagued the state for months.
The move led to the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of the state, effectively sidelining the elected government for a period of six months.
According to the Presidency, the decision was taken to restore order in the state following a prolonged crisis between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
However, critics, including opposition parties and civil society organizations, have condemned the move as unconstitutional and an overreach of executive powers.
PDP Governors Head to Court
Reacting to the development, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, announced its decision to challenge the declaration in court. In his bi-weekly newsletter, The Business of Governance, Makinde described the action as a threat to democracy and a violation of constitutional principles.
“Our great party, the PDP, is demonstrating the needed strength and leadership,” Makinde wrote. “We cannot fold our hands and watch the democracy we built for almost three decades be trampled upon.
The suspension of democracy in Rivers State is an illegal act that all well-meaning Nigerians must condemn.”
Backing the governors’ forum, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, asserted that the President lacked the constitutional authority to suspend the state’s executive and legislative arms of government.
“The President lacks the locus to suspend two elected arms of government in a state. There is no place in the Constitution that grants him such powers,” Osadolor stated.
Opposition and Regional Responses
The declaration of emergency rule has also drawn reactions from other political and regional stakeholders. The Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC), in a statement by its president Bene Mamamu, condemned the move, calling it an act of political bias against the Niger Delta region.
Similarly, the Ijaw People’s Association (IPA) described the action as a “desecration of democracy” and called for its reversal. Patrick Ebikebuno, the association’s president, noted that the decision was disturbing for the Ijaw nation and urged the President to reconsider.
The South-South Governors’ Forum, led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, also rejected the emergency rule, arguing that the political crisis should be resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than executive fiat.
However, the Cross River and Edo State Governments distanced themselves from this position, stating that they supported the President’s decision as a necessary step for restoring order.
APC Lawmakers Defend Tinubu
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the President’s action, with key party figures dismissing the opposition’s criticisms.
The National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, urged Nigerians not to be swayed by emotional arguments, insisting that Tinubu’s decision was in the best interest of Rivers State’s residents.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State also backed the emergency declaration, describing it as a crucial move for national security.
Ijaw Youth Council Takes Case to ECOWAS Court
In a further twist, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has taken legal action against the Federal Government at the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The lawsuit, filed by several IYC leaders, seeks to overturn the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State and to nullify all decisions made by the newly appointed Sole Administrator.
The IYC is also demanding $10 million in punitive and exemplary damages for the alleged violations and hardships caused by the Federal Government’s actions.
Local Government and Security Concerns
As tensions continue to rise, Vice Admiral Ibas (retd.) has sought to reassure Rivers residents, particularly state employees, regarding outstanding salary payments.
Addressing local government officials, he confirmed that withheld allocations had been released and directed that salaries be paid without delay.
Additionally, he met with traditional rulers and warned against harboring cultists or engaging in activities that could further destabilize the state.
Uncertainty Over Governor Fubara’s Whereabouts
Amid the unfolding crisis, questions have emerged over the whereabouts of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Some members of the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council raised concerns over his safety, claiming that they had been unable to contact him since his suspension. However, a close family source confirmed that he is safe and in good health but declined to reveal his location.
The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State has triggered one of the most significant political crises in Nigeria in recent years.
While the Federal Government maintains that its decision was necessary to restore order, opposition leaders and civil society groups argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in the country.
With legal battles imminent and tensions still high, all eyes will be on the courts as the PDP Governors’ Forum and the Ijaw Youth Council push to challenge the Federal Government’s decision.
The coming weeks will determine whether President Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State will stand or be overturned by the judiciary.
