Wabara: Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers undemocratic, reminder of military era

Adolphus Wabara, chairman of the board of trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state.

Tinubu, on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the persistent political crisis and instability in the state.

The president also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers; Ngozi Odu, his deputy; and the state assembly members. He also nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the state’s administrator.

In a statement on Sunday, Wabara condemned the removal of Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state house of assembly.

He described the move as a “gross violation of Nigeria’s constitution and an assault on democracy and the rule of law.”

“This action is a direct attack on the essence of our Republic,” he said.

“It deserves the strongest condemnation and corrective action by all well-meaning Nigerians, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community.”

Wabara, a former senate president, expressed disappointment that Tinubu ignored his previous warning against imposing emergency rule in the state.

“I unequivocally denounce the president’s action, which disregards the rule of law and undermines the sovereignty of the people of Rivers State,” he added.

“This undemocratic move violates our constitution, which the President swore to uphold, and threatens the very foundation of democracy in Nigeria.”

Wabara said Tinubu’s decision reflects a governance style reminiscent of military rule.

He stressed that Rivers’ leaders were chosen by voters, not appointed by the president, and that their removal was an overreach of executive power.

“The constitution does not empower the president to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials,” Wabara noted.

“Such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure.

“The president’s decision to impose an unelected sole administrator is nothing short of a democratic travesty.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s action only reminded Nigerians of the better-forgotten era of military dictatorship. Could it be a mere coincidence that the day the PDP National Secretariat land in Abuja was revoked by the APC-led administration, was the same day the Governor of Rivers State was served impeachment notice?”

Wabara called on the national assembly to intervene, urging lawmakers to resist becoming a “rubber stamp” for executive decisions.

“They must engage Mr. President and find a way to adopt a Doctrine of Necessity to salvage the situation. They must defend our democracy and protect the rule of law,” he stated.

Reaffirming the PDP’s support for Fubara and the people of Rivers, Wabara pledged that the party would stand with them during this critical political moment.