Politics

‘Rivers of Trouble’: PDP Governors Forum Denounces President Tinubu’s State of Emergency Declaration

Published

1 month ago

Mar 19, 2025.

The PDP governors criticized Tinubu’s silence regarding the involvement of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, claiming that his inaction has enabled the minister to act as a law unto himself.
The forum described the decision as “unstatesmanlike, biased, and divisive,” raising concerns over the president’s leadership and impartiality.
Tinubu also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the new administrator of Rivers State to manage the state’s affairs.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Eko Hot Blog reports

In a statement, the forum described the decision as “unstatesmanlike, biased, and divisive,” raising concerns over the president’s leadership and impartiality.

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The PDP governors criticized Tinubu’s silence regarding the involvement of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, claiming that his inaction has enabled the minister to act as a law unto himself.

The statement urged President Tinubu to reverse the “harmful and regressive decision” before it is too late.

Rivers State has experienced political turmoil for nearly two years, with former Governor Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara, engaged in a power struggle that has stalled governance in the oil-rich state.

Tinubu also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the new administrator of Rivers State to manage the state’s affairs.

Following Tinubu’s declaration, soldiers took control of the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt, raising further concerns about the implications of the state of emergency on the region’s stability.

'Rivers of Trouble': PDP Governors Forum Denounces President Tinubu's State of Emergency Declaration

The 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.

'Rivers of Trouble': PDP Governors Forum Denounces President Tinubu's State of Emergency Declaration

“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 forum called on Tinubu to heed wise advice and the voice of reason, acknowledging that he made serious mistakes and acted impulsively.

It continued, “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 Mlmembers 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.’