PDP Insists Fubara Remains Rivers Governor, Rejects Tinubu’s State Of Emergency

PDP Declares Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers State Unconstitutional

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed that Siminalayi Fubara remains the Governor of Rivers State, strongly rejecting President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency as unconstitutional and invalid.

PDP Challenges Tinubu’s Authority

During an emergency National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, addressed journalists, stating that President Tinubu lacks the legal authority to remove an elected governor, deputy governor, or dissolve the State House of Assembly.

Ologunagba condemned the move, stating:

✅ “The suspension of Governor Fubara is unconstitutional and invalid. The 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not grant the President power to unilaterally dissolve a state government.”

He emphasized that the State of Emergency declaration violates Sections 1(2), 14(2)(a), 180, 217(2)(b)(c), and 305(2) of the Nigerian Constitution, warning that any attempt to enforce it would amount to an undemocratic power grab.

PDP Accuses Tinubu of Bypassing National Assembly

The PDP further alleged that Tinubu’s move sidesteps the National Assembly, violating constitutional provisions requiring legislative approval before enforcing a State of Emergency.

📌 “According to Section 305(2) of the Constitution, the President must seek National Assembly approval before a State of Emergency takes effect. Tinubu’s order for immediate implementation blatantly disregards this provision.”

The party warned that this executive overreach threatens Nigeria’s democracy and called on the National Assembly to use its legislative authority to block the move.

Condemnation of PDP National Secretariat’s Land Revocation

The PDP also criticized the Federal Government’s revocation of the PDP National Secretariat’s Right of Occupancy (R of O), calling it a politically motivated attack on the opposition.

🗣️ “This land title revocation is part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition forces and silence democracy in Nigeria.”

The party urged:
🔹 The National Assembly to intervene and halt the unconstitutional takeover.
🔹 Security agencies and the military to remain neutral and uphold democratic principles.
🔹 Nigerians and the international community to resist this attack on democracy.

PDP Reaffirms Support for Fubara

The party assured the people of Rivers State that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains the legitimate governor, emphasizing that Rivers was peaceful before Tinubu’s unconstitutional declaration.

📢 “PDP will resist any unconstitutional takeover through all legal and democratic means. The President must act as a crisis resolver, not an instigator.”

Read the Nigerian Constitution on State of Emergency provisions