By Gwurld4026 
PDP Stands Firm Against Emergency Rule in Rivers State
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly rejected President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, asserting that the President lacks the constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor.
In a statement issued on March 18, 2025, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba described the President’s action as an “utter violation” of the 1999 Constitution. Ologunagba emphasized that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the appointment of an unelected individual to govern the state undermines the democratic rights of Rivers State residents.
The PDP characterized the move as an attempt at “state capture” and a broader strategy to impose a one-party state by decimating opposition. The party also highlighted that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which the President cited, does not grant him exclusive powers to declare or execute a state of emergency without the National Assembly’s approval.
This development has sparked significant debate about the balance of power between federal and state governments in Nigeria, as well as the constitutional limits of presidential authority.