By Solomon OKPO
The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling it an unconstitutional attack on democracy.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed, the Forum expressed solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State, warning that the decision poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“The suspension of democratic rule in Rivers State is unwarranted and premeditated. It is the greatest threat to our democracy and an ill wind that will blow no one any good,” the Forum stated.
The governors accused the president of ignoring the alleged role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in the Rivers crisis, describing the move as biased and divisive.
Citing concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Forum emphasized that emergency rule should not be a tool for removing elected officials. The NBA, in a statement by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, described the action as unconstitutional and unacceptable.
The PDP governors vowed to challenge the legality of the declaration, urging President Tinubu to rescind the decision before it deepens the country’s political and economic instability.
“This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand. We call on Mr. President to listen to wise counsel, admit his grave mistake, and reverse this retrogressive decision before it is too late,” the statement concluded.
