The PDP governors forum has also openly criticized President Tinubu following his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the declaration as biased and divisive.
Recall that the PDP in a statement on Tuesday signed by its national publicity secretary Debo Ologunagba had completely rejected the emergency rule stating that it was unconstitutional and further issuing a stern warning to the newly appointed administrator of Rivers state, Ex Vice Admiral Ibas.
Read previous story here:https://naijaeyesblog.com/politics/btinubu-declares-state-of-emrgency/
The governors forum led by Bala Mohammed, the Bauchi state governor on Wednesday issued a statement revealing strong concerns that under the leadership of President Tinubu, the FCT minister Nyesom Wike has become unaccountable, disregardful of authority, answering to no one.
The PDP governors forum condemned the fact that Tinubu has remained quiet concerning Wike’s continuous affiliation with the Rivers crisis, failing to address the minister. The PDP governors forum described this silence as passive stating that it is enabling the actions of the FCT minister.
Recall that since Fubara’s resumption in office, He and Wike have had several political conflicts over power and control of the state, causing Rivers state to experience prolonged political strain and tension for nearly two years.
In a bid to address the lingering crisis and restore peace and stability in the oil rich state, President Tinubu in a nationwide broadcast declared a state of emergency on Rivers state, announced the suspension of Governor Fubara along with his deputy Mrs Ngozi Odu and by extension, the appointment of a new state administrator in the person of Ex Vice Admiral Ibas for six months. A move the PDP grossly frowned at.
The PDP governors forum has condemned this declaration and have further demanded a reversal of what they termed ” a regressive decision”, urging Tinubu to listen to wise counsel and recognize that me made a mistake.
The PDP governors statement read “The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum notes with grave concern and utter misgiving the suspension of democratic rule in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast of Tuesday, 18th March, 2025.
“We stand in solidarity with Governor 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. There is no other time that our philosophy of touch one touch all more apt than now.
“He who goes to the court of equity must go with clean hands. Mr. President, your silence on the active role played by your Minister of the FCT in the Rivers impasse is golden and enabling. He has become a law unto himself because he was playing out your script. Now we know. This is totally unstatemanly, biased, and divisive.
“We state categorically that this unwarranted but premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party and other opposition parties is today, the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country, Nigeria and it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good.
“It is a dangerous course of action that will not only endanger our hard-won democracy, but will exacerbate the crises in the nation, deepen mistrust, elevate security threats, destroy the economy, and our national cohesion and stability.”
“The Nigerian Bar Association in its response signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has already expressed grave concern about 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 NBA affirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria. In their words, ‘A state of emergency is an extraordinary measure that must be invoked strictly within constitutional limits. The removal of elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule is unconstitutional and unacceptable.’
“The Forum completely aligns itself with the NBA and promises to subject Section 305 (3) of the Constitution to judicial interpretation. This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand.
“Mr. President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grievous mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late.”
Following this, the All progressive Congress APC has come out to defend President Tinubus declaration of an emergency rule in Rivers State claiming that Fubara alone is responsible for the political crisis and uproar in the state.
The APC disclosed this in a statement signed by its National publicity secretary Felix Morka. A part of the statement read
“When he brazenly demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly, Fubara destroyed the very foundation of democracy in the state.
“When he ‘governed’ the state without a legislature, Fubara ended government in the state.
“When he expended state funds without valid legislative appropriation, Fubara stripped himself of all constitutional protections of the office of Governor,” the statement read.
“By his reckless actions, Fubara asked for and set the stage for this outcome.
“The declaration of a state of emergency, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a necessary, constitutionally-backed measure to protect lives and property, and extend governance to the good people of Rivers state.
“The safety and well-being of the people is paramount at this time, and must trump all political considerations,” Morka declared.
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