PDP Governors’ Forum Condemns Declaration of Emergency in Rivers State
PDP Governors’ Forum Condemns Declaration of Emergency in Rivers State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) vehemently condemns the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his address to the nation on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025. This move, which effectively suspends democratic rule in the state, is a grave violation of the Constitution and a dangerous precedent for our nation.
We stand in unwavering solidarity with Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State during this challenging time. The PDPGF’s principle of “Touch One, Touch All” is deeply relevant here. The President’s silence on the actions of his own Minister of the FCT, who actively interfered in Rivers’ affairs, is deafening and reveals a blatant bias. This intervention, clearly orchestrated by the President, is unacceptable and undermines the spirit of true statemanship.
This unwarranted attack on Rivers State and the PDP, along with other opposition parties, constitutes the most significant threat to democracy in Nigeria today. It’s a dangerous path that jeopardizes our hard-won democratic gains, exacerbates existing national crises, fosters mistrust, elevates security risks, damages our economy, and weakens our national cohesion and stability.
Read Also: Why state of emergency in Rivers is unconstitutional – PDP
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has rightly expressed deep concern about the President’s unconstitutional suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The NBA reaffirms its commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring the rule of law in Nigeria.
The PDPGF fully aligns with the NBA’s position and vows to challenge the legality of this action through judicial means. This authoritarian maneuver is unacceptable and will not stand.
We urge the President to heed wise counsel and the voice of reason, recognize his hasty and grievous mistake, and reverse this atrocious and regressive decision before irreparable damage is done.
