Adolphus Wabara, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Board of Trustees and a former Senate president, criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State on Sunday.
In an emphatic declaration on Sunday, Wabara demanded an immediate reversal of Tinubu’s actions, arguing that they went against the core tenets of Nigeria’s Constitution.
This comes as Tinubu was sued by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, which contested the validity of his ruling.
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the president criticised Rivers State’s declaration of emergency and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and state House of Assembly members.
Additionally, he designated Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the only administrator for a six-month first term.
On Thursday, the National Assembly approved the declaration.
The President defended his move, claiming that the icy relationship between Fubara and the Assembly members led by Martin Amaewhule, who were loyal to Nyesom Wike, the previous governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was the reason the state was headed towards chaos.
Many Nigerians denounced what they called an unlawful decision in Rivers, including Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, former President Goodluck Jonathan, opposition members, and PDP governors.
In a statement released on Sunday, Wabara called the ruling a serious attack on democracy and unlawful.
“This action is a gross violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, the foundational legal document that guarantees the rights of Nigerians to participate in the democratic process, and a direct assault on democracy and the rule of law.
“It is an attack on the very essence of our Republic. It’s an action that deserves the strongest condemnation and corrective action by all well-meaning Nigerians, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community.
“In my capacity as the Chairman of BoT of our great party, the PDP; and a former Senate President, I, Senator Adolphus Wabara, call for the reversal of this assault on our democracy.
“It’s sad and disheartening that Mr President ignored my earlier advice to ignore those calling for emergency rule in Rivers State,” he said.
According to him, the announcement brought back memories of Nigeria’s military rule.
“President Bola Tinubu’s action only reminded Nigerians of the better-forgotten era of military dictatorship.
“The people of Rivers State exercised their democratic rights in electing their leaders, including the governor, deputy governor, and members of the House of Assembly.
“These leaders were not appointed by the President or any other authority, but were chosen by the people to represent their interests,” he added.
The scenario in Rivers did not fit the constitutional requirements for a state of emergency declaration, according to Wabara, who said the president could only proclaim one in certain instances like war, rebellion, or other events that endangered the integrity of the country.
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“The constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials.
“Such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure.
“The President’s decision to replace democratically elected officials with an un-elected sole administrator is nothing short of a democratic travesty.
“It is a stark reminder of the fragility of our democratic institutions and the persistence of authoritarian tendencies by the President,” he added.
He recommended against viewing the National Assembly as a rubber stamp and denounced it.
“They should engage Mr President and find a way to adopt a Doctrine of Necessity to salvage the situation and must defend our democracy and protect the rule of law,” he said.
