The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an “unwarranted attack on democracy and a brazen attempt to subvert the will of the people.” The party’s leadership has vowed to challenge the decision through all legal and political means.
The emergency rule, declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. The move comes amid escalating political tensions and increasing cases of pipeline vandalism in the oil-rich state. The presidency justified the action as a necessary step to restore order and prevent further economic sabotage.
PDP Condemns ‘Political Hijack’
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, PDP National Chairman Umar Damagun accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using emergency rule as a “convenient excuse to usurp power in a key opposition state.” He argued that Rivers State, despite its political tensions, did not warrant an emergency declaration, stating that due process should have been followed to resolve any governance challenges.
“What we are witnessing is nothing short of a political hijack. The people of Rivers State elected their leaders in a democratic process, and the APC-led federal government has no constitutional right to overturn their mandate under the guise of emergency rule,” Damagun stated.
The PDP also warned that the emergency declaration sets a “dangerous precedent” that could be replicated in other opposition-controlled states, further weakening Nigeria’s democracy.
Governor Fubara’s Response
Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in his first public reaction since the emergency declaration, described the move as “an outright violation of democratic principles.” He urged Rivers residents to remain peaceful but resolute in resisting what he called “a coup against their mandate.”
“I remain the duly elected governor of Rivers State, and no unconstitutional decree can erase the will of the people. We will explore all legal avenues to reverse this injustice,” Fubara said in a televised address.
Legal Challenge in the Works
The PDP has indicated that it will challenge the legality of the emergency declaration in court. According to the party’s legal team, the Nigerian Constitution allows for emergency rule only in extreme circumstances where a state government has lost the capacity to govern entirely. The PDP argues that the security challenges in Rivers, though concerning, do not justify suspending an elected government.
Legal experts have also weighed in, with some noting that past declarations of emergency rule have often been controversial. Constitutional lawyer Mike Ozekhome, SAN, stated that “while the president has the power to declare an emergency, it must be done in strict adherence to constitutional provisions. This decision will undoubtedly face significant legal scrutiny.”
Mixed Reactions from Political Circles
While the PDP has rejected the emergency rule outright, reactions from other political figures have been mixed. The APC has defended the decision, with party spokesperson Felix Morka arguing that the emergency measure is necessary to stabilize Rivers State and prevent further political unrest and economic sabotage.
“This is not about politics. This is about national stability. Rivers State has been on the brink of a crisis, and decisive action was needed to prevent a breakdown of governance,” Morka stated.
However, some civil society organizations and human rights groups have sided with the PDP’s position, warning that the move could undermine Nigeria’s democracy if allowed to stand.
International Observers Express Concern
The emergency rule in Rivers State has drawn attention from international bodies, including the United Nations, the African Union, and foreign diplomatic missions in Nigeria. The U.S. State Department has called for “restraint and adherence to democratic principles” in handling the situation, while the European Union has urged the Nigerian government to “prioritize dialogue and constitutional processes.”
What Next?
With legal battles looming, the fate of Rivers State’s governance remains uncertain. If the courts rule in favor of the PDP, the emergency rule could be overturned, leading to the reinstatement of Governor Fubara and the state legislature. However, if the federal government’s decision is upheld, Rivers State will remain under federal control for at least six months, with a military administrator overseeing governance.
As tensions continue to rise, all eyes are on how the Nigerian judiciary and political stakeholders will navigate this unfolding crisis. TheLink News NG will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
