The Peoples Democratic Party’s state governors have directed their Attorneys General to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that “Section 305(3) of the Constitution is subject to judicial interpretation.”
Following a Zoom meeting held on Wednesday, the PDP Governors released a communiqué signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed on Saturday.
In the statement, they expressed solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State during this challenging period.
Rivers State has been mired in political turmoil for nearly two years as former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, have been locked in a power struggle, resulting in a prolonged governance impasse.
In an attempt to restore order, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on Tuesday evening, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state assembly for six months.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was subsequently 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.”
