The state governors of the Peoples Democratic Party have directed their attorney general to contest President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that the Constitution’s Section 305(3) is open to judicial interpretation.
Following their Zoom meeting on Wednesday, the PDP Governors showed their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State in a statement sent to journalists on Saturday.
The statement was signed by Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State and the chairman of the Forum.
With former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara, contending for power, Rivers State has been embroiled in political unrest for almost two years, leading to a governance deadlock.
On Tuesday night, Tinubu responded by announcing a state of emergency in the state.
He declared chaos and imposed a six-month suspension on Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and every elected state assembly member.
The new administrator was retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas.
The PDP governors stated, “The Forum employed the occasion to review the unfortunate proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast of Tuesday, March 18, 2025; and frowned at 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.
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“The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria, therefore we have resolved to instruct our Attorneys General in the PDP-controlled States to challenge Section 305 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended and subject it to judicial interpretation.
“The Forum stands in solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state’s political history.”
