By Kolawole Ojebisi
State governors elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have resolved to take a legal action against the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The PDP governors made this known in a communique signed by the governors’ forum’s Chairman and Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, made available to journalists on Saturday
While expressing their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State, the governors stressed that the resolutions were reached during their zoom meeting on Wednesday.
The governors also noted that they have instructed their Attorney Generals to challenge Tinubu’s decision in Rivers State, saying that Section 305(3) of the Constitution is subject to judicial interpretation.
The PDP governors stated, “The Forum employed the occasion to review the unfortunate proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast of Tuesday, March 18, 2025; and frowned at the purported suspension by the President of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and the Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria, therefore we have resolved to instruct our Attorneys General in the PDP-controlled States to challenge Section 305 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended and subject it to judicial interpretation.
“The Forum stands in solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state’s political history.”
Recall that Rivers State has faced political turmoil for nearly two years, with former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara, competing for power, resulting in a governance impasse.
In response, citing what he called the need to restore order, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on Tuesday evening.
He called for order and suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state assembly for six months.
