Opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, have strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling on the National Assembly to reject the move.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Atiku, who represented the coalition of opposition leaders, described Tinubu’s action as an “unconstitutional power grab” and an abuse of Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State,” Atiku said.
He further urged federal lawmakers to resist any attempt to legitimize the emergency rule. “The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to rubber-stamp illegality,” he added.
Rivers State has been grappling with a prolonged political crisis fueled by a power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The rift has led to governance paralysis, with both camps engaging in a fierce battle for control.
In response, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday.
The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as the state’s administrator.
Military forces swiftly took over the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt following the announcement, tightening security across key government institutions.
The press conference brought together several prominent opposition figures who condemned the emergency rule. Peter Obi, represented by his campaign spokesperson Yunusa Tanko, joined other political leaders in rejecting Tinubu’s decision.
Other attendees included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties Peter Ahmeh, and Alternative Convenor Segun Showunmi.
Several political figures, including former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi, and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, were absent but sent their apologies.
Despite opposition outcry, the Rivers State House of Assembly has backed President Tinubu’s decision.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara, in a statement, expressed concerns over the military intervention but urged residents to remain calm.
