By correspondent in Abuja.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that the move is a blatant violation of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and an unconstitutional attempt to undermine the democratically elected government.
In a statement issued by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologuagba, the party expressed outrage over the President’s broadcast, wherein he announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s interim leader.
The PDP insists that this action is an unlawful overreach by the President and a direct affront to the will of the people of Rivers State.
“The imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers is not only unconstitutional but a deliberate attempt to override the votes and democratic rights of the people of the state,” Ologuagba said.
He described President Tinubu’s declaration as a clear violation of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees the right of citizens to choose their leaders through free and fair elections.
The party’s condemnation extended to the legal grounds on which the emergency rule was declared, pointing out that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution does not grant the President the power to unilaterally impose a state of emergency.
According to the PDP, the Constitution requires the President to seek the approval of the National Assembly before such a declaration can be valid.
“The President’s proclamation is entirely incompetent as it fails to adhere to the clear constitutional provisions that require National Assembly approval.
This unilateral decision disregards the law and sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy,” the party stated.
The PDP warned that the imposition of emergency rule could have far-reaching consequences for both Rivers State and the nation at large.
The party called on the newly appointed interim leader, Vice Admiral Ibas, to respect the Constitution and refrain from any actions that could further destabilize the democratic framework of Rivers State.
The PDP emphasized that Governor Fubara was lawfully elected to serve a four-year term, which should not be cut short by unconstitutional means.
“Rivers State is not a military regime, and Nigeria cannot be ruled by decree. The President’s actions are a dangerous escalation of the assault on democratic governance, and the PDP will continue to resist this attempt to undermine our democratic institutions,” Ologuagba said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
