Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Mixed reactions don dey follow President Bola Tinubu declaration of state of emergency for Rivers State. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum don talk say dem go take legal action against the Federal Government.
The PUNCH report say President Tinubu declare state of emergency for Rivers State, suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, him deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months. He also appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the Sole Administrator of the state.
PDP governors dey argue say Tinubu actions no follow constitution and dem dey threaten the democratic principles wey Nigeria stand for. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, don criticize the emergency declaration in him bi-weekly newsletter, The Business of Governance, saying that such suspension of democracy no make sense.
“I de happy say our party the PDP dey show strength and leadership. The PDP Governors’ Forum meet for emergency meeting and we decide to challenge Tinubu actions go court. We no fit fold our hands watch democracy wey we don build for 30 years dey trampled,” Makinde talk.
<p“He continue, ‘The declaration of state of emergency in Rivers and the suspension of executive and legislative arms by the presidency na illegality wey serious-minded people for society gatz oppose.’”
Deputy National Youth Leader of the party, Timothy Osadolor, show support for the governors, saying the state of emergency go face court challenge. Osadolor talk about the implications of Tinubu pronouncement and how na only court fit restore hope for the common man.
“The President no get legal ground to suspend two elected arms of government. Constitution no mention am say he fit do such thing,” he add.
The Niger Delta Youth Council too don support the PDP Governors’ Forum, saying the state of emergency na show of bias against the region. Bene Mamamu, president of the group, talk say Tinubu action dey disturb the people and democracy.
Ijaw People’s Association condemn the state of emergency, call am “desecration of democracy” and urge Tinubu to reverse e in the interest of peace. Patrick Ebikebuno, president of IPA, highlight say the declaration dey alarming for the Ijaw nation.
The South-South Governors’ Forum, led by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, don also call for reversal saying the crisis for Rivers no warrant such action from the president.
But Cross River State don distance demself from the South-South Governors’ position. Acting Governor Dr. Peter Odey show support for Tinubu way talk say him gatz bring peace to the state.
Meanwhile, former Deputy National Vice Chairman of the PDP, Bode George, don condemn the declaration, calling it unconstitutional and a move for political control.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State back the declaration, saying it necessary for national security.
Local government heads don receive assurance from Sole Administrator Ibas say salaries wey dem suppose pay go soon land, as him don confirm release of withheld funds. Him talk say dem go take action to ensure salaries pay without delay.
The Ijaw Youth Council don file lawsuit against the Federal Government at ECOWAS court, dey challenge the emergency rule and seek order to set aside suspension of elected officials.
APC dey clash with opposition lawmakers over the emergency as them defend the action as necessary for the people. Critics dey raise alarm say the declaration no follow constitutional procedures, with many calling for immediate reversal.
Nigerians dey decry the ratification of the emergency by National Assembly, calling it a big blow to democracy. Some, like Anambra state former governor Peter Obi, say Tinubu action gatz encourage impunity.
Legal authority Professor Mike Ozekhome don criticize Tinubu say him no get power to remove sitting governors via emergency rule, citing violations of the constitution.
