BREAKING: PDP Governors React to Suspension of Fubara, State of Emergency in Rivers

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The governors described the move as unfair, divisive, and harmful to democracy. 

On Tuesday evening, President Tinubu announced the emergency during a nationwide address, citing the need to restore law and order. This decision led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. 

As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas to take over the state’s administration. 

In response, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, released a statement on Wednesday expressing deep concern over the political crisis in Rivers. The forum accused Tinubu of worsening the situation rather than resolving it. 

The governors also criticized Tinubu for not addressing the role of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in the crisis. They argued that Wike had been allowed to act without consequences because of the president’s inaction. 

The forum voiced its support for Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State, warning that suspending democratic governance is a dangerous move that could weaken Nigeria’s democracy and threaten the country’s stability. 

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

The statement further read: “This unwarranted but premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party and other opposition parties is today, the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country, Nigeria, and it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good.”

The governors also pointed out that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had raised concerns over the suspension of elected officials. The NBA stressed that a state of emergency must follow constitutional guidelines. 

Agreeing with the NBA’s position, the PDP Governors’ Forum warned that Tinubu’s decision was unconstitutional and unacceptable. 

“The Forum completely aligns itself with the NBA and promises to subject Section 305 (3) of the Constitution to judicial interpretation. This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand,” the statement added.