National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have taken their opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State to the Supreme Court.
The governors, who are from Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara states, are challenging the president’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
In their lawsuit, the governors argue that President Tinubu exceeded his constitutional powers by suspending democratically elected officials.
They also contend that the appointment of Retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State is unconstitutional.
The PDP governors are seeking a declaration from the Supreme Court that the president’s actions are in violation of sections 1(2), 5(2), and 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
They maintain that the president has no authority to suspend elected officials under the guise of an emergency declaration.
Furthermore, the governors are challenging the National Assembly’s approval of the state of emergency, arguing that the use of a voice vote is unconstitutional.
They claim that the emergency proclamation failed to meet constitutional requirements, citing Section 305.
The lawsuit is the latest development in the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, which has seen President Tinubu declare a state of emergency and suspend elected officials.
The PDP governors’ challenge to the president’s action sets the stage for a high-stakes legal battle, with significant implications for Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.
