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PDP Governors’ Forum has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State,.
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The forum expressed concern that Tinubu’s action may be unconstitutional, citing the removal of elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule.
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The PDP governors urged Tinubu to reverse the decision.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has berated President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the action as unstatesmanlike, biased, and divisive.
The forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, expressed concern that Tinubu’s leadership has enabled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to become a law unto himself.
The PDP governors criticized Tinubu’s silence regarding Wike’s active involvement in the Rivers State crisis, stating that it is “golden and enabling.” They noted that Wike has become a law unto himself because he is “playing out your script.”
The forum stated, “He who goes to the court of equity must go with clean hands. Mr. President, your silence on the active role played by your Minister of the FCT in the Rivers impasse is golden and enabling.”
The governors condemned Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
They described the action as “unwarranted but premeditated” and a “dangerous course of action” that will endanger democracy, exacerbate crises, and destroy the economy.
The forum aligned itself with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has expressed grave concerns about the constitutionality of Tinubu’s action. The NBA stated that a state of emergency is an extraordinary measure that must be invoked strictly within constitutional limits.
READ ALSO: Military Takes Over Rivers Govt House As Fubara&’s Whereabouts Remain Unknown
The forum quoted the NBA as saying, “The removal of elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule is unconstitutional and unacceptable.”
The PDP governors urged Tinubu to reverse the decision, stating that it poses a threat to democracy and may exacerbate crises in the nation. They called on the President to heed wise counsel and the voice of reason, acknowledging that he made serious mistakes and acted impulsively.
The forum stated, “Mr. President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grievous mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late.”
Fubara Breaks Silence On State Of Emergency In Rivers
Embattled Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, has called for calm in the state amid the ongoing political crisis. Fubara’s face-off with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, led to President Bola Tinubu suspending him for six months and declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a statement he personally signed, Fubara stated, “I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history. Since assuming office as your governor, we have prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.”
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