In a strong pushback against the federal government’s recent actions, leading opposition figures, including 2023 presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, have jointly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The opposition leaders have called on the National Assembly to reject what they describe as a politically motivated and unconstitutional measure.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Atiku, who addressed the media on behalf of the opposition, accused the President of overstepping constitutional boundaries by misapplying Section 305 to justify what he termed an undemocratic intervention.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately reverse this unconstitutional decree and reinstate the elected leadership of Rivers State, including the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly members,” Atiku stated. “The National Assembly must not be complicit in endorsing this unconstitutional maneuver but must instead take a firm stance in upholding democratic values.”
For nearly two years, Rivers State has been at the center of an intense power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara. The prolonged dispute has led to administrative paralysis and heightened political tension in the oil-rich state.
In an attempt to curb the escalating crisis, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday. The directive resulted in the immediate suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months. Furthermore, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as the state’s administrator, effectively assuming control of the state’s governance.
Shortly after the declaration, military personnel swiftly moved in to secure the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt, a development that has sparked further debate. While Governor Fubara has expressed concerns over the move and called for calm, the state House of Assembly has openly backed the President’s decision.
The press briefing was attended by several key political figures who voiced their disapproval of the federal government’s actions. Among them were Peter Obi, represented by Yunusa Tanko, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties Peter Ahmeh, and Alternative Convenor Segun Showunmi.
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Additionally, notable politicians such as former Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Adamu conveyed their solidarity with the opposition stance, even though they were unable to attend in person.
As the political climate remains charged, all eyes are now on the National Assembly, whose decision will play a crucial role in determining whether the President’s controversial proclamation stands or is overturned in defense of democratic principles.
