Nyesom Wike (R), President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (C), Siminalayi Fubara (L) PDP insists Tinubu has no Powers to Suspend a Democratically Elected Governor
According to a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary of People's Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the main opposition party in the country has outrightly rejected President Tinubu's rule to declare State of Emergency in Rivers State. The opposition party specifically claimed that the President lacks power to suspend an elected Governor of a state.
The Full text of press statement released by the PDP where the rejected the State of Emergency rule on Rivers State read in parts:
"The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and indeed, Nigerians listened with dismay the national broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in which the President, in utter violation of the 1999 Constitution pronounced an imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State
"The PDP outrightly rejects this attempt by the President to override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and undermine the votes and Will of the people of Rivers State by seeking to depose a democratic government and foist an undemocratic rule in the State.
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"The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to govern the State is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy, an abrogation of the votes and democratic right of the people of Rivers State to choose their leader under the Constitution.
"The action of Mr. President therefore clearly borders on attempt at state capture. It is the climax of a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers State for which the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been bent on stoking crisis to ensure that democracy is ultimately truncated in the State.
"Nigerians are invited to note that the situation in Rivers State and the reasons adduced by the President cannot justify the declaration of a state of emergency in the State under the 1999 Constitution, rendering the declaration completely incompetent.
"The PDP alerts that the unwarranted imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is part of the larger vicious plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate opposition, impose a totalitarian one-Party State and turn the country into a fiefdom
"In any case, nothing in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution relied upon by the President in the declaration grants him the exclusive powers to declare or execute the declaration of a state of emergency without recourse to the statutory approval of the National Assembly.
"For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) provides that “The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation including the details of the emergency to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation”.
"Mr. President should recognize that his order to an unelected individual to forthwith take over government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis, threat to the peace and stability of not only Rivers State but the entire nation.
"For emphasis, Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years which tenure cannot be unconstitutionally abridged.
"The PDP therefore cautions Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and ensure that he does not take any action or step which is capable of derailing smooth democratic Governance in Rivers State. Nigeria is not under a military rule where the Governance of a State is by appointment by a junta.
Fubara’s whereabouts unknown as Military moves trucks into Rivers Govt House
Meanwhile, the movement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara was unknown on Tuesday night when the military moved trucks into Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.
The trucks were placed within and outside the Government House on the first night of the State of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu declared emergency rule amid the attacks on oil installations in Rivers State.
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Some militants groups had threatened to blow up pipelines if the Rivers House of Assembly impeach Fubara.
However, hours after the lawmakers served the governor with notice of alleged misconduct, the militants carried out their threat.
Responding, the president suspended Fubara and the lawmakers for six months, appointing an administrator for the state.
After the declaration, about 10 military trucks patrolled the road leading to the Government House main gate while armoured vehicles were seen at strategic positions within the road leading to the Government House gate.
The road leading to Government House from the popular UTC junction was deserted as residents made efforts to get back to their respective houses.
A resident of Port Harcourt who pleaded anonymity told our reporter that military trucks were found all over the area.
“The road leading to Government House from the Issac Boro park to the popular UTC is deserted. Residents are making efforts to get back to their respective homes as nobody wants to be caught in a cross fire. I saw about 10 military trucks parading the road leading to Government House. There are other armoured tanks that have been stationed at both entrance road leading to Government House,” the sources said.
Our reporter could not confirm if Fubara had vacated Government House as of press time but sources from Government House informed our reporter that the governor might have a premonition of the State of emergency.
The source said the governor held several meetings with members of the suspended state Executive council throughout the day.
A former Commissioner who spoke with our reporter briefly on phone said he could not speak at length because was having a meeting with the governor, promising to call back later, but he never did as of press time.
President Tinubu Briefs House on State of Emergency
President Bola Tinubu has formally written the House of Representatives, seeking approval of his decision to declare a state of emergency in River State in line with Section 305 of the Constitution.
Spokesman of the House of Representatives Akin Rotimi who disclosed this in response to media inquiries, says the National Assembly was duly consulted by President Tinubu in reaching the decision.
The House spokesman confirmed that the leadership of the National Assembly met with the President and the National Security Adviser ahead of the broadcast, alongside key security chiefs who were fully briefed on Mr. President's intentions, and all unanimously expressed their support.
He says Mr. President’s formal letter, informing the House of Representatives of his decision and seeking approval in line with Section 305 of the Constitution, has been transmitted and will be read during plenary on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, with further legislative action to be debated and decided on the floor.
Category: Local-News
Tag: Fubara Disappears As Military Men Move Trucks To Govt House While PDP Rejects State of Emergency
Written by Omooba Alekuwodo (omoobaalekuwodo)
Published 3/19/2025 1:44:34 AM