COMMUNIQUÉ OF PAN NIGER DELTA FORUM (PANDEF) FOLLOWING EMERGENCY MEETING ON THE DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE
Issued on March 19, 2025, in Abuja
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) convened an emergency meeting of its Board of Trustees and Expanded National Executive Committee on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Abuja, to review the recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, resulting in the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly.
After extensive deliberations, PANDEF observes and resolves as follows:
1. Concern Over Presidential Action
i. The declaration of a State of Emergency and removal of elected officials in Rivers State is a direct assault on democracy and constitutional governance.
ii. This action was taken barely a week after President Tinubu hosted a high-level South-South delegation, including traditional rulers, former governors, service chiefs, ministers, and senators, where he acknowledged PANDEF’s peace efforts.
iii. During the meeting, the President urged PANDEF to continue reconciliation efforts and encouraged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to comply with the Supreme Court ruling by presenting the 2025 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
2. Political Undermining of PANDEF’s Efforts
iv. Just a day after PANDEF’s engagement with the President, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, one of the key figures in the Rivers State crisis, publicly disparaged PANDEF and its respected leaders.
v. The President has not reprimanded the Minister for his unguarded remarks, despite public outrage.
vi. On March 13, 2025, Governor Fubara formally wrote to the State Assembly expressing readiness to present the budget in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling and the President’s directive. However, the Assembly, dominated by Wike loyalists, adjourned indefinitely the following day, only to later initiate impeachment proceedings against the Governor and Deputy Governor.
vii. On March 17, 2025, PANDEF formally alerted the President to the deliberate obstruction by the Assembly and the FCT Minister, highlighting their refusal to cooperate with the reconciliation process.
3. Arbitrary Declaration of State of Emergency
viii. On March 18, 2025, just a day before the scheduled budget presentation, the President unilaterally declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, suspending the Governor, his Deputy, and the House of Assembly.
ix. This move is inconsistent with President Tinubu’s previously stated opposition to emergency rule without removing governors. In 2013, he condemned a similar decision by then-President Goodluck Jonathan in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States.
x. The justification for the emergency—an alleged pipeline explosion—raises serious concerns, as similar incidents have occurred in Nigeria without prompting such drastic action.
xi. Many states in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions face persistent violence, yet no State of Emergency has been declared there.
4. Constitutional and Legal Violations
xii. The timing of the emergency rule raises legal questions, as the Court of Appeal was set to rule on the status of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a matter still pending following the Supreme Court’s verdict.
xiii. Additionally, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had just begun hearing a related case when the emergency rule was imposed, effectively preempting judicial proceedings.
5. Resolutions and Calls to Action
PANDEF, as a credible voice of the Niger Delta, hereby resolves as follows:
i. We call on the National Assembly, under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, to reject this undemocratic imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State and stand in defense of constitutional governance.
ii. PANDEF remains committed to fostering peace and stability in Rivers State and the South-South region and will continue to engage with all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, in pursuit of a just resolution.
iii. We will monitor developments closely and take all necessary constitutional steps to protect the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State.
Signed:
HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff, CFR
Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass
Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees
His Excellency, Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah
Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees
Amb. (Dr.) Godknows B. Igali, OON
National Chairman
Chief (Sir) Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PhD
National Spokesman
Issued in Abuja, March 19, 2025
