The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, urging him to recognize his mistake and immediately reverse the decision.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the Forum described the move as unconstitutional, dangerous, and a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy. Expressing solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State, the PDP governors vowed to resist any attempt to undermine democratic governance in the state.
The Forum accused President Tinubu of bias, pointing out his failure to address the role of his Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in escalating the political crisis in Rivers.
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“He who seeks justice must do so with clean hands. Mr. President, your silence on the FCT Minister’s role in this crisis speaks volumes and only emboldens him. He has become a law unto himself, acting out your agenda. Now we understand. This is completely unstatesmanlike, biased, and divisive,” the statement read.
The governors warned that the President’s actions posed a direct threat to democracy and opposition parties, predicting that they could have serious consequences for national stability.
“This unwarranted and deliberate attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party is currently the biggest threat to democracy in Nigeria. It is a reckless move that endangers our hard-earned democratic system, deepens national divisions, escalates security risks, weakens the economy, and threatens national unity.”
The Forum aligned itself with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which had earlier condemned the President’s suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The PDP governors called on Tinubu to rethink his decision and restore democratic governance in Rivers State before it leads to further instability.
“Mr. President must listen to wise counsel and reason, acknowledge that he acted hastily and made a serious mistake, and reverse this unjust and regressive decision before it is too late.”
The crisis in Rivers State has worsened in recent months due to political tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leading to divisions within the state’s government and legislature.
The declaration of emergency rule and the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s administrator have sparked widespread debate and opposition, with critics warning that this move sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
