PDP govs to challenge Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers

The Peoples Democratic Party’s state governors have instructed their Attorney Generals to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying that Section 305(3) of the Constitution is subject to judicial interpretation.

After their Zoom meeting on Wednesday, the PDP Governors, in a communiqué signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, made available to journalists on Saturday expressed their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State during.

Rivers State has faced political turmoil for nearly two years, with former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara, competing for power, resulting in a governance impasse.

In response, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on Tuesday evening.

He called for order and suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state assembly for six months.

Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the new administrator.

The PDP governors stated, “The Forum employed the occasion to review the unfortunate proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast of Tuesday, March 18, 2025; and frowned at the purported suspension by the President of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and the Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria,  therefore we have resolved to instruct our Attorneys General in the PDP-controlled States to challenge Section 305 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended and subject it to judicial interpretation.

“The Forum stands in  solidarity with  His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state’s political history.”