Judiciary
PDP Rejects Emergency Rule In Rivers State, Says Not Democratic
PDP Rejects Emergency Rule In Rivers State, Says Not Democratic
PDP rejects emergency rule in Rivers state, says not democratic…Insists Tinubu has no powers to suspend a democratically elected governor.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and indeed, Nigerians listened with dismay the national broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in which the President, in utter violation of the 1999 Constitution pronounced an imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State
The PDP outrightly rejects this attempt by the President to override the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and undermine the votes and Will of the people of Rivers State by seeking to depose a democratic government and foist an undemocratic rule in the State.
The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appointment of an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to govern the State is a clear attack on our nation’s democracy, an abrogation of the votes and democratic right of the people of Rivers State to choose their leader under the Constitution.
The action of Mr. President therefore clearly borders on attempt at state capture. It is the climax of a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers State for which the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been bent on stoking crisis to ensure that democracy is ultimately truncated in the State.
Nigerians are invited to note that the situation in Rivers State and the reasons adduced by the President cannot justify the declaration of a state of emergency in the State under the 1999 Constitution, rendering the declaration completely incompetent.
The PDP alerts that the unwarranted imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State is part of the larger vicious plot to foist a siege mentality across Nigeria, decimate opposition, impose a totalitarian one-Party State and turn the country into a fiefdom
In any case, nothing in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution relied upon by the President in the declaration grants him the exclusive powers to declare or execute the declaration of a state of emergency without recourse to the statutory approval of the National Assembly.
For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) provides that “The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation including the details of the emergency to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House of which he is President or Speaker, as the case may be, to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation”.
Mr. President should recognize that his order to an unelected individual to forthwith take over government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis, threat to the peace and stability of not only Rivers State but the entire nation.
PDP
For emphasis, Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a tenure of four years which tenure cannot be unconstitutionally abridged.
The PDP therefore cautions Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to respect the Constitution and ensure that he does not take any action or step which is capable of derailing smooth democratic Governance in Rivers State.
Nigeria is not under a military rule where the Governance of a State is by appointment by a junta.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
U.S. Mission Nigeria United Nations Donald J. Trump
State Of Emergency In Rivers Sparks Tension As Lawyers, Opposition React
State of emergency in Rivers sparks tension as lawyers, opposition react. The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has heightened tensions, with opposition figures and legal experts weighing in on the controversial move.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all House of Assembly members for six months, appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the state’s administrator.
The decision follows prolonged political unrest, stemming from the fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The crisis escalated on Monday when the Rivers Assembly, dominated by Wike’s loyalists, served an impeachment notice to Fubara. Hours later, suspected militants blew up a major oil pipeline, further deepening concerns over security.
Opposition leaders have condemned Tinubu’s move, with Labour Party spokesperson Obiora Ifoh calling it “a threat to democracy,” while PDP chieftain Dr. Adejor Anthony accused Tinubu of siding with Wike. The Obidient Movement’s Yunusa Tanko warned that the decision could spark further unrest.
State Of Emergency In Rivers
However, lawyer Mathew Abakpa defended Tinubu’s action, citing constitutional provisions for emergency rule amid threats to law and order.
Meanwhile, security forces have taken control of the Rivers Government House, and reports suggest protests are brewing in parts of the state in support of Fubara.
APC Backs Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Rivers, Warns Governor Adeleke
APC backs Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, warns Governor Adeleke. “It is a welcome and positive decision by President Tinubu to restore order to Rivers, which was fast becoming a failed state,” Mr Basiru stated.
Ajibola Basiru, the national secretary of the All Progressives Congress, has welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.
Mr Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, declared the emergency rule, citing political tension and troubling security reports in Rivers.
Mr Tinubu stated that recent security briefings revealed troubling acts of oil pipeline vandalism by militants, with no effort from the governor to address the situation.
Reacting to the development, the APC scribe expressed hope that the emergency would help restore peace and order in the troubled oil-producing state.
“It is a welcome and positive decision by President Tinubu to restore order to Rivers, which was fast becoming a failed state,” Mr Basiru stated.
Mr Basiru lamented that both the executive and legislature in Rivers had failed in their constitutional duty to ensure the people’s welfare and security.
He advised the Osun governor to take note and allow court-reinstated local council elected officials to function or risk a similar emergency declaration in Osun.
Meanwhile, Mr Tinubu has directed security agencies to safeguard lives, property, and vital infrastructure, including oil pipelines, across Rivers.
APC
“By this declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected lawmakers are suspended for an initial period of six months,” Mr Tinubu said.
The president nominated Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval officer, as administrator to oversee Rivers in the interest of its citizens during the emergency.
However, the state’s judiciary remains unaffected by the declaration and will continue to operate within its constitutional mandate.
Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru Suspends 3 Commissioners Over Absenteeism
Ebonyi governor Francis Nwifuru suspends 3 commissioners over absenteeism. Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended three commissioners for one month for failing to attend the state Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on March 17 without permission.
The affected officials are Solomon Azi (Grants and Donor Agencies), Victor Chukwu (Environment), and Ikeuwa Omebe (Rural Development).
Announcing the decision on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jude Okpor, stated that the suspended commissioners would be stripped of all privileges associated with their positions for the duration of the suspension.
Governor Nwifuru also issued a stern warning against absenteeism and laxity among public servants, emphasizing the need for commitment to duty.
He further cautioned contractors handling state projects to adhere to their contractual agreements, warning that the government would take legal action to ensure compliance.
In addition, the state government approved the construction of staff quarters, a female hostel, and a health clinic at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp in Afikpo, as part of efforts to enhance infrastructure and support the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Francis Nwifuru
Okpor also revealed that the government honored the law team from Ebonyi State University (EBSU) that represented Nigeria at the 33rd Christof Heyns African Moot Court Competition in Kigali, Rwanda.
The team—Michael Agu-Ebeke, Cynthia Ibor, and their instructor, Dr. Chioma Iteshi—received the prestigious Ebonyi State Honours Award and a cash prize of N3 million each after emerging victorious against 68 Anglophone and 15 Francophone teams, marking a historic win for a Nigerian faculty of law in the competition’s 33-year history.
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