The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, attributing the political crisis to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s actions.
In a statement on Tuesday, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Fubara of destabilizing democracy in the state by demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly and governing without legislative oversight. These actions, according to the party, rendered the state ungovernable.
“When he brazenly demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly, Fubara destroyed the very foundation of democracy in the state,” the statement read. “By governing without a legislature and spending state funds without valid legislative approval, he stripped himself of all constitutional protections of the office of Governor.”
Morka emphasized that governance cannot function without the coexistence of the executive, legislative, and judicial arms, arguing that Fubara’s actions plunged Rivers into a constitutional crisis.
“There cannot be a governor without a legislature and judiciary,” the APC stated. “As the Supreme Court has confirmed, there has been no functional government in Rivers State since Fubara dismantled the legislature.”
The ruling party maintained that Tinubu’s intervention was necessary and constitutionally justified to restore governance and protect lives and property.
READ ALSO: Lawyers Faut Tinubu’s Suspension of Rivers Gov, Others
“The declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a necessary, lawful step to ensure the safety and well-being of Rivers residents,” Morka asserted. “At this critical time, security and governance must take precedence over political considerations.”
Reaffirming its support for Tinubu’s decision, the APC praised the President for taking decisive action to prevent a total breakdown of law and order.
“Once again, President Tinubu has demonstrated leadership in preventing chaos and restoring order in Rivers State,” the statement concluded.
PDP Condemns State of Emergency, Calls It an Attack on Democracy
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, calling it an unconstitutional move aimed at suppressing democracy.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the opposition party described the move as a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution and an attempt to impose unelected leadership on the people of Rivers.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Nigerians watched in shock as President Tinubu, in blatant disregard of the 1999 Constitution, imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State,” the statement read.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Sought Legislative Approval For Rivers Emergency Rule – Reps Spokesman
The PDP also decried the suspension of Governor Fubara and his replacement with retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, arguing that such actions amounted to a “state capture.”
“The unconstitutional removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of an unelected individual as the new leader of Rivers State is a direct attack on democracy and a violation of the rights of the people to choose their own leader,” PDP stated.
PDP Accuses APC of Orchestrating Crisis
The opposition party further accused the APC of deliberately fueling the crisis in Rivers as part of a larger plan to take control of the state and silence political opposition nationwide.
“This is the culmination of a carefully orchestrated plot by the APC to seize control of Rivers State,” the statement alleged. “They have actively worked to destabilize the state in order to justify this unconstitutional takeover.”
The PDP also questioned the legal justification for the emergency declaration, insisting that the situation in Rivers did not meet the constitutional threshold for such drastic action.
“The reasons given by the President do not justify a state of emergency under the 1999 Constitution,” the party stated. “This declaration is not only illegal but a dangerous precedent.”
Warning that the move could set a troubling pattern, the party claimed it was part of a broader effort to turn Nigeria into a one-party state by eliminating opposition strongholds.
READ ALSO: Tension Grips Rivers State Following State of Emergency Declaration
“This is a calculated step toward creating a totalitarian state where opposition voices are suppressed,” PDP warned.
PDP Cites Constitutional Violations
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the PDP stressed that Tinubu does not have the sole authority to impose emergency rule without National Assembly approval.
“For clarity, Section 305 (2) of the Constitution states that the President must immediately transmit the official gazette to the National Assembly for deliberation and approval before enforcing a state of emergency,” the party pointed out.
PDP Warns Ibas Against Assuming Office
The PDP also issued a strong warning to Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.), urging him to reject the appointment and avoid any actions that could derail democracy in Rivers State.
“The President’s directive for an unelected individual to take over governance in Rivers State is illegal and a clear provocation,” PDP stated. “This move threatens not just Rivers but the stability of the entire country.”
The party reminded Nigerians that Fubara was elected for a four-year term and that any attempt to remove him outside constitutional provisions is unlawful.
“Governor Fubara’s tenure is protected by law and cannot be cut short through unconstitutional means,” Ologunagba declared.
PDP Vows to Resist Emergency Rule
Pledging to fight any attempt to undermine democracy, the PDP called on Nigerians, civil society groups, and democratic institutions to resist the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers.
“Nigeria is not under military rule where governors are removed by presidential orders,” the party warned.
As the House of Representatives prepares to deliberate on Tinubu’s emergency rule request on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the stage is set for a major political and constitutional showdown.