"Unconstitutional and Unacceptable" - Govs Reject Tinubu's Emergency Rule, Accuses Wike Of Political Chaos in Rivers State

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors' Forum (PDPGF) has strongly condemned the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, calling it an assault on democracy and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria's political stability. The forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, insists that the decision is a veiled political maneuver orchestrated to destabilize opposition strongholds and protect vested interests, particularly those of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The PDP governors expressed dismay at what they described as a premeditated attack on Rivers State's democracy, warning that such authoritarian actions could plunge the country into deeper political and security turmoil.

"This is totally unstatesmanly, biased, and divisive," Mohammed stated, accusing the President of enabling Wike's influence over the state's political crisis. He reiterated that the decision to suspend the elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other state officials under the guise of an emergency declaration was unconstitutional and politically motivated.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also weighed in, labeling the President's decision a violation of democratic principles and calling for immediate judicial interpretation of Section 305(3) of the Constitution.

AGF Fagbemi Backs Tinubu, Accuses Fubara of Fueling Crisis

However, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, defended Tinubu's decision, arguing that it was necessary to avert a complete breakdown of law and order in Rivers State. According to Fagbemi, Governor Fubara's actions-including the alleged teleguiding of militants to vandalize oil pipelines-left the President with no choice but to impose emergency rule.

"There was no government in Rivers State," the AGF asserted. "The Supreme Court made damning findings against the governor. He destroyed the House of Assembly, undermined democratic processes, and failed to restore governance."

Fagbemi further clarified that federal allocations to Rivers State, which had been withheld due to the crisis, would now be released only upon request from the newly appointed sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Rtd).

"The President has acted at the right time. If he had waited longer, only God knows what would have followed," he added, warning that any state facing similar chaos would be subjected to even stricter federal intervention.

NBA, PDP Vow Legal Action

The PDP governors, alongside the NBA, have vowed to challenge the emergency rule in court. Mohammed emphasized that the forum would pursue legal redress to nullify Tinubu's decision, warning that its failure to act could embolden future administrations to abuse emergency powers for political gain.

"This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand," he declared. "Mr. President must listen to wise counsel, reverse this atrocious decision, and restore democratic governance in Rivers State before it is too late."

What Happens Next?

With the National Assembly set to review the President's action, political tensions remain high. Observers say the outcome could set a dangerous precedent for future state interventions or force a legal reckoning on the limits of presidential powers.

The question remains: Is this a necessary intervention to restore stability, or a calculated move to undermine democracy?

­ƒö┤ Stay with All Facts Newspaper for real-time updates on this developing story.