Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, calling it unconstitutional and a grave threat to democracy.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the PDP Governors’ Forum expressed solidarity with Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State, vowing to resist any attempt to undermine democratic governance.
Allegations of Bias and Political Interference
The PDP governors accused Tinubu of bias, criticizing his failure to address the role of his Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the Rivers political crisis.
“He who goes to the court of equity must go with clean hands. Mr. President, your silence on the active role played by your Minister of the FCT in the Rivers impasse is golden and enabling,” the statement read.
The governors warned that Tinubu’s actions represented an assault on democracy and opposition parties, predicting dire consequences for national stability.
“This premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party is the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country,” the statement continued. “It will deepen crises, elevate security threats, and destroy our economy.”
Backing from the NBA and Legal Challenge
The PDP Governors’ Forum aligned itself with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has already condemned the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Citing the NBA’s stance, the governors emphasized that emergency rule does not grant the President the authority to remove elected officials.
They vowed to challenge Tinubu’s decision in court, seeking judicial interpretation of Section 305(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for declaring a state of emergency.
“This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand,” the governors declared.
Call for Reversal and Restoration of Democracy
The PDP governors urged Tinubu to reconsider his decision and restore democratic governance in Rivers State before further damage is done.
“Mr. President is called upon to listen to wise counsel, accept that he acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious decision before it is too late,” they stated.
The political crisis in Rivers State has escalated in recent months due to tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s administrator under emergency rule has sparked nationwide debate, with critics warning it sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
