Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly condemned General Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it both undemocratic and unconstitutional.
In a statement released on Sunday, Wabara criticized the suspension of the state’s elected governor, deputy governor, and members of the State House of Assembly, replacing them with a sole administrator. He described the move as a “gross violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and an assault on democracy and the rule of law.”
Wabara declared, “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.”
Expressing his disappointment, the former Senate President revealed that he had previously advised General Tinubu against imposing emergency rule in Rivers State, but his warnings went unheeded.
“I unequivocally denounce the General’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 General swore to uphold, and threatens the very foundation of democracy in Nigeria,” Wabara emphasized.
Drawing a parallel to Nigeria’s past under military rule, Wabara warned that Tinubu’s actions reflect a regressive step, one the nation had hoped to leave behind. He reminded that the people of Rivers State had democratically elected their leaders, and these officials were chosen by the electorate, not appointed by the General.
“The constitution does not empower the General 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,” he stated. “The General’s decision to impose an unelected sole administrator is nothing short of a democratic travesty.”
Wabara further called on the National Assembly to actively defend democracy, urging lawmakers to resist becoming a rubber stamp for executive overreach. “They must engage General Tinubu 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 said.
The PDP Board of Trustees Chairman concluded by reaffirming support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of Rivers State, emphasizing that the PDP stands in full solidarity with them during this crucial time in the state’s political history.
