The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it undemocratic and unconstitutional.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Wabara decried the suspension of the elected governor, deputy governor, and State House of Assembly members, replacing them with a sole administrator, describing the move as a “gross violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and an assault on democracy and the rule of law.”
“This action is a direct attack on the essence of our Republic.
“It deserves the strongest condemnation and corrective action by all well-meaning Nigerians, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community,” Wabara stated.
Expressing disappointment, the former Senate President revealed that he had earlier advised Tinubu against imposing emergency rule in Rivers State, a warning that was ignored.
“I unequivocally denounce the President’s action, which disregards the rule of law and undermines the sovereignty of the people of Rivers State.
“This undemocratic move violates our constitution, which the President swore to uphold, and threatens the very foundation of democracy in Nigeria,” Wabara asserted.
Drawing parallels to Nigeria’s past under military rule, Wabara warned that Tinubu’s action mirrors an era the country has tried to move beyond.
He emphasized that the people of Rivers State exercised their democratic rights in electing their leaders, and those officials were not appointed by the President but chosen by the electorate to serve their mandate.
“The constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials.
“Such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure.
“The President’s decision to impose an unelected sole administrator is nothing short of a democratic travesty,” he stressed.
Wabara also called on the National Assembly to step up in defence of democracy, urging lawmakers not to serve as a rubber stamp for executive excesses.
“They must engage Mr. President and find a way to adopt a Doctrine of Necessity to salvage the situation. They must defend our democracy and protect the rule of law,” he stated.
The PDP BoT Chairman concluded by reaffirming support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State, declaring that the PDP stands in solidarity with them during this critical period in the state’s political history.
