The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has sparked political turmoil, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum announcing plans to challenge the decision in court.
On March 19, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly for six months.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) was appointed as the Sole Administrator of the state.
In response, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde condemned the declaration, calling it an “illegal act” that undermines Nigeria’s democratic principles. He said, “The PDP Governors’ Forum rose from an emergency meeting where we unanimously decided to challenge the actions of President Tinubu in a court of competent jurisdiction.”
Makinde emphasized the importance of defending Nigeria’s democracy, stating, “Our democratic tenets must never be trifled with.”
The Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, also expressed concern, arguing that the President lacked the constitutional authority to suspend elected officials.
He added, “The President lacks the locus to suspend two elected arms of government in the state. There is no place in the Constitution that gives such powers.”
The Ijaw People’s Association (IPA) condemned the emergency rule as a “desecration of democracy.” IPA President Patrick Ebikebuno urged the President to reverse the decision, calling it “a desperation taken too far.”
In contrast, some governors, including Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and the acting Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Peter Odey, supported the declaration, citing national security concerns and the need for stability in Rivers.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly, including Senator Seriake Dickson and Senator Ireti Kingibe, criticized the emergency rule as unconstitutional.
Dickson argued that the move lacked the necessary constitutional backing, particularly challenging the use of a voice vote in the Senate to approve it.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government at the ECOWAS court, seeking to annul the state of emergency and demanding $10 million in damages.
