The 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, along with other opposition figures, have called on the National Assembly to reject President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, Atiku accused the President of misusing Section 305 of the Constitution to impose emergency rule for political reasons. He described the move as unconstitutional and urged lawmakers to vote against it when it comes up for legislative approval.
“We demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu immediately reverses this unconstitutional decision and restores the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State,” Atiku stated. He further appealed to senators and representatives to ensure they are on the right side of history by opposing what he termed an unlawful power grab.
Rivers State has been embroiled in a prolonged political conflict between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, creating a governance crisis in the oil-rich state.
Amid this tension, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, citing the need to restore order. The decision led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months. He also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s new administrator.
Following the announcement, military forces took control of the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt. While Fubara has expressed concerns and called for calm, the state House of Assembly has backed the President’s decision.
Other political figures who joined Atiku in condemning the state of emergency include Peter Obi (represented by Yunusa Tanko), Former SGF Babachir Lawal, Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ahmeh, Convener of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi. Meanwhile, some prominent figures unable to attend the press conference but who sent in their apologies include former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu.
The debate over the emergency rule in Rivers is expected to intensify as the National Assembly deliberates on the issue in the coming days.
