In a significant political escalation, governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have resolved to take legal action against President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This decision, announced on March 22, 2025, and reported by Opera News, follows the controversial suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The PDP governors, led by prominent figures such as Fubara himself, Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, and Ademola Adeleke, view the emergency rule as an overreach of federal power and a threat to democratic governance. This move sets the stage for a high-stakes courtroom battle with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political landscape as of March 23, 2025.
The PDP Governors’ Stance
The PDP Governors’ Forum, chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, convened an emergency meeting to address the crisis in Rivers State. The outcome was a unanimous decision to challenge the legality of Tinubu’s proclamation, which they argue undermines the constitutional rights of elected officials and the sovereignty of state governance. “This is a grievous assault on democracy,” Mohammed stated, echoing sentiments shared across the Forum. The governors contend that the emergency rule, enacted on March 18, 2025, lacks sufficient justification and violates procedural norms outlined in Nigeria’s Constitution.
Key figures spearheading this legal challenge include:
- Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State) – As the directly affected governor, Fubara has vowed to fight his suspension, calling it an “unconstitutional power grab” orchestrated by political rivals, notably FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
- Bala Mohammed (Bauchi State) – The Forum’s chairman, Mohammed has been vocal in condemning the emergency rule, framing it as a precedent that could destabilize other PDP-controlled states.
- Seyi Makinde (Oyo State) – Known for his assertive leadership, Makinde has pledged resources and legal expertise to the cause, emphasizing the need to protect democratic institutions.
- Ademola Adeleke (Osun State) – Adeleke has rallied behind his colleagues, warning that unchecked federal interference could erode state autonomy nationwide.
Other PDP governors joining the effort include:
- Douye Diri (Bayelsa State)
- Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State)
- Godwin Obaseki (Edo State)
- Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State)
- Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State)
- Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State)
- Agbu Kefas (Taraba State)
- Peter Mbah (Enugu State)
This coalition of 12 governors represents a formidable bloc within the PDP, signaling a unified front against what they perceive as an abuse of executive authority by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.
Background to the Rivers Crisis
The state of emergency in Rivers State stems from a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The feud, which has split the state’s political class and its House of Assembly into rival factions, escalated to a point where President Tinubu intervened. In a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, Tinubu cited “disturbing violence” and threats to national oil infrastructure as justification for declaring emergency rule, appointing Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as Sole Administrator for six months.
The National Assembly, including the Senate under Godswill Akpabio and the House of Representatives, approved the proclamation via voice votes on March 20, 2025, fulfilling the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority under Section 305. However, the process has drawn criticism for its opacity, with some lawmakers alleging coercion and others, like Senator Seriake Dickson, walking out in protest.
Legal Grounds for the Challenge
The PDP governors’ legal strategy hinges on several constitutional arguments:
- Lack of Evidence: They assert that Tinubu failed to provide concrete proof of a breakdown in law and order severe enough to warrant emergency rule, as required by Section 305(3) of the Constitution.
- Procedural Flaws: The governors claim the declaration bypassed proper consultation with the Rivers State government, undermining federal-state relations.
- Democratic Erosion: By suspending elected officials and installing a sole administrator, they argue, the move subverts the will of Rivers voters, setting a dangerous precedent.
Legal experts anticipate the case will test the judiciary’s independence under Tinubu’s administration, especially given past rulings favoring state autonomy. The PDP’s legal team, likely to include seasoned advocates like Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, will seek an injunction to halt the emergency rule pending a full hearing.
Political Ramifications
This showdown amplifies the rivalry between the PDP and APC as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections. Rivers State, a key oil-producing region and a political stronghold, is a prize both parties covet. The PDP sees the emergency rule as a calculated move by Wike, an APC ally, to wrest control from Fubara and weaken the opposition’s grip. Meanwhile, the APC defends the declaration as a necessary measure to stabilize a volatile state critical to national economic interests.
Public sentiment, as reflected in posts on X, is divided. Some Nigerians applaud the PDP governors for resisting federal overreach, while others back Tinubu’s intervention as a means to curb unrest. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, a bipartisan body, has remained neutral, citing the risk of internal division, which has only heightened the spotlight on the PDP’s proactive stance.
What’s Next?
As of March 23, 2025, the PDP governors are mobilizing resources and legal firepower for what promises to be a landmark case. The judiciary’s response will likely shape perceptions of Tinubu’s administration and influence the balance of power between Nigeria’s federal and state governments. For Fubara and his allies, the fight is personal and political—a bid to reclaim their mandate and challenge what they see as an authoritarian drift.
For the full list and original reporting, see the Opera News article from March 22, 2025. How do you view this clash between the PDP governors and the federal government? Drop your thoughts below as this legal battle heats up! #Pdp #Riversstate
Post a Comment
0Comments