The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), opposition parties, and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) have strongly criticized the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
NBA: Presidential Overreach and Constitutional Violation
The Nigerian Bar Association expressed deep concern over the suspension of democratic structures in Rivers State, arguing that the 1999 Constitution does not grant the President the power to unilaterally remove an elected governor, deputy governor, or state lawmakers under the guise of a state of emergency.
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), insisted that the removal of a governor must follow the procedures outlined in Section 188 of the Constitution.
“A declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments. 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,” Osigwe stated.
The NBA further argued that while Rivers State is experiencing political tension, it does not meet the constitutional threshold for a state of emergency as outlined in Section 305(3).
“Political disagreements, legislative conflicts, or executive-legislative tensions do not justify emergency rule. Such conflicts should be resolved through legal and constitutional mechanisms, including the judiciary, rather than executive fiat,” the statement added.
The NBA called on the National Assembly to reject any attempt to legitimize what it termed an “unconstitutional removal” of elected officials.
Atiku: Tinubu’s Actions are Politically Motivated
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar strongly condemned the President’s decision, accusing Tinubu of political manipulation and bad faith.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Atiku alleged that the President had actively contributed to the crisis in Rivers State.
“Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk. Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent,” Atiku wrote.
He argued that the President’s actions had erased years of progress in the Niger Delta, plunging the region back into instability.
“Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and @officialABAT’s enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy,” he added.
PDP Rejects State of Emergency, Calls Action Unconstitutional
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also rejected the declaration of a state of emergency, stating that Tinubu lacks the authority to suspend a democratically elected governor.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, criticized the move as an attempt to impose an unelected government on Rivers State.
“The unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu of the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) to govern the state is a clear attack on democracy and an abrogation of the votes of Rivers people.”
The PDP further described the action as an attempt at state capture, accusing the APC-led federal government of fueling the crisis to forcefully take over Rivers State.
“Nigeria is not under military rule. State governance cannot be determined by executive fiat or junta-style appointments,” the statement read.
The PDP also warned Ibas to refrain from taking any actions that could disrupt democratic governance in the state.
PANDEF: Rivers People Will Resist Imposition
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) also rejected the suspension of Governor Fubara, describing it as a direct assault on the democratic rights of Rivers people. The group’s spokesperson, Ken Robinson, warned that the people of the Niger Delta will not accept any form of political imposition.
“The people of Rivers State will resist any attempt to install an unelected individual as governor. The Niger Delta will not be used as a pawn for political experiments,” PANDEF stated.
Legal and Political Showdown Looms
With mounting opposition from legal bodies, political figures, and civil society, the stage is set for a major constitutional and political showdown. The National Assembly’s decision on the matter will be a critical test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience.
