The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the proposed emergency rule in Rivers State as “biased, divisive, and unconstitutional.” The governors, in a strongly worded statement issued after an emergency meeting in Abuja, accused the federal government of taking sides in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, warning that such actions could further destabilize the region and undermine Nigeria’s democracy. The controversy stems from the escalating feud between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which has plunged the state into a governance crisis.
The PDP governors’ intervention adds a new layer of complexity to the political turmoil in Rivers State, a key economic hub in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. The state, which accounts for a significant portion of the nation’s oil revenue, has been rocked by protests, legislative gridlock, and violent clashes since late 2023. The crisis reached a boiling point when pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly attempted to impeach Governor Fubara, a move widely seen as politically motivated. President Tinubu’s reported consideration of emergency rule to address the crisis has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that the move is an overreach of federal power and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
A Crisis of Governance
The political feud in Rivers State has its roots in the strained relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Fubara, who was elected in 2023 with Wike’s backing, has since distanced himself from his former mentor, leading to a bitter power struggle. The conflict escalated in October 2023 when pro-Wike lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, citing allegations of misconduct. The move was widely perceived as an attempt by Wike to retain control over the state’s political machinery, despite his appointment as FCT minister.
The impeachment attempt triggered widespread protests in Rivers State, with supporters of Governor Fubara accusing Wike and his allies of undermining the state’s democracy. The crisis deepened when the Rivers State House of Assembly became factionalized, with parallel sessions held by pro-Fubara and pro-Wike lawmakers. The situation has paralyzed governance in the state, raising concerns about its impact on national revenue and security.
President Tinubu initially intervened in December 2023, brokering a peace deal between Fubara and Wike. However, the truce collapsed within weeks, reigniting hostilities and prompting calls for federal intervention. Reports of a potential emergency rule in Rivers State have since surfaced, with the federal government citing the need to restore order and stability.
PDP Governors’ Rebuttal
The PDP Governors’ Forum, led by its chairman and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, has vehemently opposed the idea of emergency rule in Rivers State. In a statement issued after their emergency meeting, the governors accused the Tinubu administration of bias and warned against the politicization of federal power.
“The proposed emergency rule in Rivers State is not only unconstitutional but also biased and divisive,” the statement read. “It is clear that the federal government is taking sides in a political dispute, which sets a dangerous precedent for our democracy. Emergency rule should never be used as a tool to settle political scores or suppress opposition. Such actions undermine the principles of federalism and the rule of law.”
The governors also criticized President Tinubu for failing to address the root causes of the crisis, accusing him of prioritizing the interests of political allies over the welfare of Rivers State residents. “The people of Rivers State deserve peace and stability, not the imposition of authoritarian measures,” the statement continued. “The federal government must focus on fostering dialogue and reconciliation, rather than resorting to draconian measures that could exacerbate tensions.”
Broader Implications for Nigerian Democracy
The PDP governors’ critique highlights broader concerns about the state of governance in Nigeria, particularly the erosion of democratic norms and the concentration of power at the federal level. The imposition of emergency rule, a measure typically reserved for extreme security situations, has historically been a contentious issue in Nigeria. Critics argue that its use in politically charged contexts risks undermining the autonomy of state governments and weakening the country’s federal structure.
The Rivers State crisis also underscores the challenges of managing political transitions in Nigeria, where personal rivalries often overshadow governance. The feud between Fubara and Wike is emblematic of a larger trend in Nigerian politics, where power struggles between political godfathers and their protégés frequently disrupt governance and development.
Political analysts warn that the federal government’s handling of the Rivers crisis could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democracy. “The imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State would send a chilling message to opposition-controlled states,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, a political scientist at the University of Abuja. “It would reinforce the perception that the federal government is willing to use its powers to suppress dissent and consolidate control. This could deepen political polarization and erode public trust in democratic institutions.”
Calls for Dialogue and Reconciliation
Amid the escalating tensions, the PDP governors have called for a return to dialogue and reconciliation as the only viable path to resolving the Rivers State crisis. They urged President Tinubu to convene a stakeholders’ meeting involving all parties to the conflict, including Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, and leaders of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
“The solution to the crisis in Rivers State lies in dialogue, not in the suspension of democratic institutions,” the governors’ statement emphasized. “We call on President Tinubu to demonstrate true leadership by fostering an inclusive and transparent process that addresses the grievances of all parties. Only through dialogue can we achieve lasting peace and stability in Rivers State.”
The governors also reiterated their commitment to defending the principles of democracy and federalism, vowing to resist any attempts to undermine the autonomy of state governments. “We will not stand idly by while the rights of Nigerians are trampled upon,” the statement concluded. “The PDP Governors’ Forum remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the interests of all Nigerians.”
What Next for Rivers State?
As the debate over emergency rule continues, the people of Rivers State remain caught in the crossfire of a political battle that shows no signs of abating. The crisis has disrupted economic activities, heightened security concerns, and left many residents disillusioned with their leaders.
For President Tinubu, the Rivers State crisis represents a critical test of his administration’s commitment to democratic principles and inclusive governance. The imposition of emergency rule, while potentially restoring short-term stability, risks alienating key stakeholders and deepening political divisions. Conversely, a failure to address the crisis could embolden political actors to exploit similar situations in other states.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Abuja as the federal government weighs its options. For now, the PDP governors’ forceful intervention has shifted the narrative, framing the Rivers State crisis as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy. As the nation grapples with this latest political storm, one thing is clear: the path to peace and stability in Rivers State lies not in authoritarian measures, but in dialogue, reconciliation, and a renewed commitment to the rule of law.
