The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has resolved to challenge the state of emergency declared in Rivers State in court following a third monthly virtual meeting held yesterday. The Forum also reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic governance and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria.
At the meeting, the Forum expressed its opposition to the state of emergency, which it described as an unjustified attack on Rivers State and the PDP, warning that it posed a significant threat to the country’s democracy.
In a communiqué signed by Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the opposition Governors called on President Bola Tinubu to admit his mistake and reverse the decision, accusing him of bias in handling the political crisis in Rivers.
“We stand in solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara 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’ is more apt than now,” the communiqué stated.
The Governors also expressed dissatisfaction with President Tinubu’s silence on the role played by his Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in exacerbating the political crisis in Rivers. They described this as divisive and unstatesmanlike, adding that it amounted to enabling Wike’s actions.
“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. 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 communiqué further warned.
The Forum also aligned itself with the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) position on the issue and vowed to seek judicial interpretation of Section 305(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which pertains to the declaration of a state of emergency.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The PDP Governors also resolved to instruct their Attorneys General in PDP-controlled states to challenge Section 305(3) of the Constitution and seek judicial clarification. They expressed their unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State during this turbulent period.
Governors in attendance included Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State), Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), Peter Mbah (Enugu State), Ademola Adeleke (Osun State), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State), Agbu Kefas (Taraba State), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State), and Sir Monday Onyeme (Delta State – Deputy Governor).
Kwankwaso Criticises State of Emergency in Rivers
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has also condemned the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, calling it illegal and unconstitutional.
Kwankwaso argued that the political crisis in Rivers State does not justify the declaration of a state of emergency under Section 305(1) of the 1999 Constitution, labelling President Tinubu’s actions as anarchic and disrespectful to the highest public office in Rivers State.
“This proclamation and the subsequent pronouncements by the Attorney General of the Federation have now sent numerous people in states led by the opposition into disarray, as they set a dangerous precedent for how the Head of State can grip on states that do not share the same political standing with the centre,” Kwankwaso said.
He emphasised that the judiciary must act impartially and ensure justice is served equally to all political parties. Kwankwaso also criticised the involvement of the military in leadership positions, describing it as a dangerous step that could undermine the progress made in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“The decision by President Tinubu to suspend all elected officials in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional, but also a recipe for anarchy and disregard for the highest public office in the state. The National Assembly that should check this excess should not encourage it,” Kwankwaso added.
He further stated that President Tinubu should have refrained from bringing the military closer to power, especially after the work of President Olusegun Obasanjo, who confined the military to the barracks during his tenure.
