Do Not Assume Unconstitutonal Administrator Role, PDP Warns Ibok-Ette, Says Tinubu Lacks Power to Suspend Governor, Deputy

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.) not to become an accomplice in the violation of the Nigerian Constitution by assuming office as Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

The Party in a press release on Tuesday, March 19, 2025 by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba warned that such a move would be illegal and could trigger widespread unrest.

It strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and an affront to Nigeria’s democracy.

“Nigeria is not under military rule, where state governance is determined by presidential appointment. We urge Vice Admiral Ibas to respect the Constitution and refrain from actions that could derail democracy in Rivers State.”

According to the statement, the President, in a national broadcast, announced the suspension of the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.) as interim administrator of the State.”  

“The PDP has outrightly rejected this move, insisting that it violates the 1999 Constitution and undermines the will of the people.”

“This is a brazen attempt to override the Constitution and impose an undemocratic rule in Rivers State. The people of Rivers State exercised their democratic right to elect Governor Fubara, and no provision in the Constitution grants the President the power to unilaterally remove him from office.”

The PDP further described the President’s action as an attempt at “state capture,” accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a crisis to justify a forceful takeover of Rivers State.

“This unconstitutional move is the climax of a well-oiled plot by the APC to destabilize Rivers State, truncate democracy, and impose a one-party dictatorship across Nigeria,” Ologunagba added.

Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the PDP maintained that the declaration of a state of emergency requires the statutory approval of the National Assembly before it can take effect.

“The President does not have the exclusive power to declare or execute a state of emergency without legislative backing,” the statement noted.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) of the Constitution states that the President must transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for deliberation and approval.”

Reiterating its stance, the PDP asserted that Governor Fubara remains the duly elected leader of Rivers State and must be allowed to complete his four-year term as enshrined in the Constitution.

The party called on Nigerians and the international community to resist any attempts to subvert democracy in the country. “This is not just about Rivers State. It is about defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.

The Presidency has yet to respond to the PDP’s statement, but political analysts warn that this latest development could spark a constitutional crisis and deepen tensions between the federal government and opposition parties.