By: Daure David
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has issued an urgent and firm statement condemning President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to have Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, step aside for six months as part of a state of emergency in the state. The Forum has made it clear that Governor Fubara will remain in office, dismissing the President’s directive and insisting that the process lacks proper constitutional backing.
The statement, issued late yesterday, underscores the Forum’s opposition to what they describe as an unconstitutional overreach by the executive branch. The PDP Governors argue that, according to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, a state of emergency can only be declared with the approval of at least two-thirds of the Senate, a critical constitutional requirement that the President has bypassed.
“The PDP Governors Forum vehemently rejects the removal of Governor Sim Fubara and any attempt to sideline him without the consent of the National Assembly. The process of declaring a state of emergency is clear — it requires two-thirds of the Senate’s approval, which has not been obtained in this case,” the statement reads.
The controversy stems from President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the need to address escalating security challenges. As part of the declaration, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Administrator for the state, replacing elected officials, including Governor Fubara, for a period of six months.
However, the PDP Governors Forum insists that the executive’s actions are not in accordance with the constitution. They highlight the specific provision that requires the National Assembly’s approval, a process that was not followed in this instance. The Governors argue that such unilateral decisions are a violation of democratic principles and the checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution.
“The move to declare a state of emergency without due process is not only unconstitutional but also undermines the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State. The Constitution is clear — the President cannot unilaterally declare a state of emergency without the requisite legislative consent,” the statement further reads.
The Forum also noted the serious implications of the President’s actions, stressing that removing an elected governor without legislative approval sets a dangerous precedent for the country’s democracy. They urged the Senate to assert its authority and review the matter immediately to ensure constitutional integrity is maintained.
Political analysts and legal experts have weighed in on the situation, with some agreeing that the President’s actions appear to contravene the legal requirements for declaring a state of emergency. They stress the importance of adhering to constitutional processes to avoid setting a troubling precedent for executive power in the future.
In response to the criticism, President Tinubu has yet to provide a detailed public explanation of his decision. However, sources close to the presidency argue that the state of emergency was necessary to address the security situation in Rivers, where violence and instability have reportedly been on the rise. The administration insists that the move is in the interest of national security and peace in the region.
As the situation develops, all eyes are now on the Senate, which will play a crucial role in determining the constitutionality of the state of emergency declaration. The coming days will likely see intense political and legal battles over the future of Governor Fubara and the governance of Rivers State.
For now, the PDP Governors Forum has made it clear that it will continue to challenge what it views as an illegal move and will work to ensure that constitutional procedures are respected.
