- PDP Govs To Challenge Emergency Rule In Court
By Samuel Ogidan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have put modalities in place to challenge the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state.
Tinubu had on Tuesday declared emergency rule in Rivers State, sacked the governor, his deputy and state House of Assembly and appointed an administrator to take over the affairs of the state.
The governors in their zoom meeting have, however, disclosed that they are challenging the declaration.
In their communique signed by the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed after the zoom meeting, the governors reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria.
The communique reads: “The Forum employed the occasion to review the unfortunate proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast of Tuesday, March 18, 2025; and frowned at the purported suspension by the President of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and the Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria, therefore we have resolved to instruct our Attorneys General in the PDP-controlled States to challenge Section 305 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended and subject it to judicial interpretation.
“The Forum stands in solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state’s political history.
“The Forum enjoined the people of Rivers State and Nigerians in general not to despair in the face of this atrocious intimidation.”
The zoom meeting was attended by; Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Bauchi State) – Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum
Siminalayi Fubara – Vice Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum (Rivers State)
Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
Sen. Diri Douye (Bayelsa State)
Dr. Peter N. Mbah (Governor, Enugu State)
Sen. Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)
Barr. Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State)
Dr. Agbu Kefas (Taraba State)
Dr. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State) and
Sir Monday Onyeme (Delta State) – Deputy Governor.