PDP Rejects Emergency Rule in Rivers, Says It’s a Threat to Democracy

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly opposed President Bola  Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as an unconstitutional move that undermines Nigeria’s democracy.

The PDP, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, on Tuesday night, expressed concern over the President’s decision, arguing that it violates the 1999 Constitution.

“The PDP rejects this attempt by the President to override the Constitution and impose undemocratic rule in Rivers State,” Ologunagba stated.

He criticized the move as an effort to depose a democratically elected government and install an unelected administrator.

President Tinubu had declared the emergency following prolonged political tensions in Rivers State, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas to take charge of the state’s administration.

However, the PDP insists that this action lacks constitutional backing and could destabilize not just Rivers State but the entire country.

“The order given to an unelected individual to take over governance in Rivers State is illegal and a recipe for crisis,” the PDP warned.

The party further alleged that the move was part of a broader strategy by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken opposition parties and consolidate power.

“This is a clear case of state capture. The APC has been fanning the flames of crisis in Rivers to justify this undemocratic takeover,” the statement read.

Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the PDP argued that the President lacks unilateral powers to impose emergency rule without approval from the National Assembly.

“Nigerians must not allow this dangerous precedent. The reasons given for the emergency rule do not justify the President’s actions under the Constitution,” Ologunagba added.

The PDP called on the National Assembly, civil society organizations, and Nigerians at large to resist what it described as a “threat to democracy” and ensure that constitutional order is upheld in Rivers State.

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