The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling it an assault on democracy.
In a statement issued on March 18, 2025, the forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, expressed solidarity with Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the people of the state. The governors accused the President of suspending democratic rule under false pretenses, warning that the action could destabilize the nation.
“We stand in solidarity with His Excellency, Governor Sir 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 statement read.
The forum also criticized the role of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in the crisis, alleging that he acted with the President’s approval.
“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,” the statement continued.
The governors warned that removing elected officials under the guise of emergency rule threatens democracy and national stability.
“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 crises in the nation, deepen mistrust, elevate security threats, destroy the economy, and our national cohesion and stability.”
Citing the position of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which also condemned the move, the forum stated its readiness to challenge the legality of the President’s decision in court.
“The NBA, 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 Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The NBA affirmed their 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.'”
The PDP Governors’ Forum vowed to seek judicial interpretation of Section 305 (3) of the Constitution to challenge the President’s decision.
“This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand,” the statement declared.
The forum urged President Tinubu to reconsider his decision.
“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.”
