By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and an assault on democracy.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP rejected the president’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appoint a retired military officer, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as an interim administrator.
The party described the move as an attempt to “override the will of the people” and impose an “undemocratic rule” in Rivers State.
“This action by President Tinubu amounts to an unconstitutional state capture,” Ologunagba stated. “It is the culmination of a well-orchestrated plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize Rivers State and forcefully take control of its governance.”
The PDP argued that the situation in Rivers does not warrant a state of emergency, emphasizing that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution does not grant the president unilateral power to make such a proclamation without legislative approval.
“For clarity, Section 305 (2) stipulates that any declaration of emergency must be transmitted to the National Assembly for approval. The president cannot unilaterally impose such a directive,” the PDP stated.
The opposition party also warned that Tinubu’s directive for an unelected official to take over the governance of Rivers State was illegal and could plunge the state into deeper crisis.
“Nigeria is not under military rule,” Ologunagba warned. “Governor Fubara was elected by the people for a four-year tenure, which cannot be cut short by executive fiat.”
The PDP further cautioned Vice Admiral Ibas against assuming office, urging him to respect the constitutional order and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
As the political situation unfolds, observers are keenly watching whether the National Assembly will challenge the emergency rule or align with the president’s directive.