BREAKING: Opposition Urges Reversal of Rivers Emergency Rule

Prominent opposition figures, including former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, have urged the National Assembly to reject President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

During a press conference held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Atiku accused President Tinubu of political bias and misusing Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution to justify the emergency declaration.

“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 asserted. “We urge patriotic Senators and Representatives to vote against this illegal action when it comes before them for approval. The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to legitimise an unconstitutional power grab.”

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Rivers State has faced ongoing political conflict for nearly two years, stemming from a power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara. The political deadlock led President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on Tuesday during a nationwide broadcast, citing the need to restore stability in the state.

Under the emergency measures, Governor Fubara, his deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed as the state’s administrator. Shortly after the announcement, military forces took control of the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt. Although Governor Fubara expressed concern and called for calm, the State House of Assembly endorsed the President’s decision.

Additional opposition leaders at the press conference included Peter Obi, represented by Yunusa Tanko, 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 notable political figures, such as former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, conveyed their apologies for not being able to attend the press conference.