Nigerian Governors’ Forum Silent on Rivers Crisis as PDP Governors Vow Legal Action

Governors Yet to React as PDP Leaders Challenge Tinubu’s Decision

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) has remained silent regarding the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

Despite the growing controversy, the chairman of the NGF, Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State, has yet to issue a statement on the matter. Efforts by Daily Trust to obtain a response from NGF’s Director-General, Lateef Shittu, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages seeking clarification on the Forum’s stance.

Meanwhile, governors elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have strongly condemned Tinubu’s decision, vowing to challenge it in court.

NLC And TUC Demand Reversal Of State Of Emergency In Rivers State

PDP Governors Condemn Tinubu’s Suspension of Fubara

In response to the development, Governor Siminalayi Fubara expressed his determination to handle the crisis with “wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.” His reaction came amid growing opposition from political leaders, civil society organizations, and legal experts questioning the constitutionality of the president’s decision.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, issued a statement on behalf of the opposition governors, strongly condemning Tinubu’s actions. He described the suspension of Fubara as an attack on democracy and urged the president to reverse his decision.

“We stand in solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state’s political history. There is no other time that our philosophy of ‘TOUCH ONE, TOUCH ALL’ is more apt than now,” the statement read.

The PDP governors accused President Tinubu of taking sides in the political crisis by supporting Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, whom they claim played a direct role in the power struggle in Rivers State.

Calls for Reversal and Judicial Review

The PDP Governors’ Forum further criticized Tinubu for failing to address Wike’s alleged role in the conflict. They argued that the president’s silence on Wike’s involvement signaled his tacit approval of the former governor’s interference in Rivers State politics.

“The President’s silence on Wike’s role in the crisis is golden and enabling,” the statement continued, adding that the decision to suspend Fubara was “unstatesmanlike, biased, and divisive.”

According to the PDP governors, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State could worsen existing tensions, fuel distrust, and escalate security concerns. They warned that such an approach could destabilize the state’s economy and national unity.

In alignment with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the PDP governors called for a judicial review of Section 305(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared. They argued that Tinubu’s move was unconstitutional and authoritarian, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent.

“Mr. President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grievous mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late,” the PDP Governors’ Forum concluded.

Growing Political and Legal Fallout

The suspension of Governor Fubara has sparked widespread debate, with legal experts, political analysts, and opposition leaders questioning the legality of Tinubu’s declaration. Many believe the action could trigger a constitutional crisis, further deepening Nigeria’s political instability.

Observers are also closely watching the NGF’s silence on the matter. Traditionally, the Forum has played a mediating role in major political conflicts involving governors, but its lack of response to the Rivers State crisis has raised concerns about internal divisions among state leaders.

As the PDP governors prepare to challenge Tinubu’s decision in court, the legal battle over the legitimacy of the state of emergency is expected to intensify. With growing pressure on the president to reverse the decision, the coming days will be critical in determining the future of Rivers State’s leadership and Nigeria’s democratic stability.