PDP governors to challenge Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers

The governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have vowed to challenge the Rivers state emergency rule in court.

The governors made the decision during a virtual meeting on Wednesday.

BACKGROUND

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the south-south state, citing the prolonged political crisis and vandalisation of oil installations.

The president suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and all house of assembly members for six months.

Tinubu also appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator for Rivers.

On Thursday, the senate and the house of representatives controversially approved Tinubu’s request for the emergency rule. 

‘WE’LL CHALLENGE THE EMERGENCY RULE IN COURT’ 

In a communique issued after the virtual meeting, the PDP governor said it would ensure the rule of law is entrenched in Nigeria.

“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 communique reads.

The governors expressed support for Fubara, urging residents not to despair in the “face of this atrocious intimidation”.

The meeting was attended by Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Fubara (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Diri Douye (Bayelsa), Peter Mbah, (Enugu), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), and Monday Onyeme, deputy governor of Delta.