Governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have condemned the recent suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu. They have called for an immediate reversal of the decision, describing it as a threat to democracy and a serious misstep.
- PDP governors have strongly opposed the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature.
- President Tinubu justified the action by citing security concerns and the failure to implement a Supreme Court ruling on the crisis.
- The PDP governors criticized Tinubu’s silence on the role of Minister Nyesom Wike in the Rivers political dispute.
A group of 12 PDP governors has openly challenged the emergency rule imposed by President Tinubu in Rivers State. They labeled the move as “a grievous mistake” and an attempt to undermine opposition governance in Nigeria.
The decision to suspend Governor Fubara and key government officials was made on March 18, following a prolonged political standoff between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The rift between the two has escalated since Fubara assumed office, with both camps refusing to reach a resolution.
During his address, President Tinubu announced the suspension of the governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers. He also appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the interim administrator of Rivers State.
Reacting to the development, Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, expressed strong disapproval of the state of emergency. He criticized President Tinubu for ignoring Wike’s role in the crisis.
In a statement, Mohammed said:
“He (Wike) has become a law unto himself because he was playing out your script. Now we know. This is not statesmanlike; it is biased and divisive.”
The PDP governors argued that Tinubu’s action was unnecessary and politically motivated. They maintained that opposition parties, including the PDP, do not pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
According to Mohammed, the move could further destabilize the oil-rich state, weaken its economy, and heighten security concerns. He warned that the decision might also erode trust in the government and threaten national unity.
Aare Oladotun Hassan, President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide and former secretary of the NBA Epe Branch, urged stakeholders to prioritize governance over political rivalry.
He criticized the ongoing communication breakdown between the executive and the legislature in Rivers State, stating:
“The governor had to send his budget through WhatsApp, which is even more dangerous, meaning there is no connection, no communication between the state assembly and the executive.”
Hassan defended Tinubu’s intervention, arguing that it was necessary to restore order in the state rather than being a politically motivated action.
“What Mr. President is doing is not about PDP or APC; it is about maintaining governance in Rivers State and preventing a full-blown crisis,” he asserted.
Hassan urged all parties involved to cooperate with the newly appointed administrator to ensure peace and stability in the state. He emphasized that working together is essential to prevent further chaos and to create an environment where governance can function effectively.
