News Rendezvous

March 19, 2025 – The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has condemned the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a grave assault on democracy and constitutional governance.
Following an emergency meeting of its Board of Trustees and Expanded National Executive Committee in Abuja, PANDEF released a communiqué expressing deep concern over the President’s decision, which led to the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly.
Presidential Decision Undermines Democracy
PANDEF strongly criticized the President’s action, noting that it contradicts his own previous stance against emergency rule when he was in opposition. The forum recalled Tinubu’s 2013 condemnation of then-President Goodluck Jonathan’s imposition of emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States without removing elected officials.
“The declaration of a State of Emergency and the removal of duly elected officials in Rivers State is an outright violation of constitutional democracy. This move contradicts the President’s own words and sets a dangerous precedent,” PANDEF stated.
Political Intrigues and PANDEF’s Peace Efforts Undermined
The forum expressed dismay that this decision comes barely a week after President Tinubu hosted a high-level South-South delegation, including PANDEF leaders, where he acknowledged their peace efforts and encouraged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to comply with the Supreme Court ruling by presenting the 2025 budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
However, despite Fubara’s formal communication to the Assembly signaling his readiness to present the budget, the Assembly—dominated by allies of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike—adjourned indefinitely and later initiated impeachment proceedings against the Governor and Deputy Governor.
PANDEF also expressed outrage over Wike’s public attack on the forum and its respected leaders, which the President failed to address despite widespread condemnation.
Questioning the Justification for Emergency Rule
The group questioned the rationale for the emergency declaration, pointing out that the official justification an alleged pipeline explosion was inconsistent with past practices.
“If pipeline explosions were a valid reason for emergency rule, then numerous other states across the country should have been subjected to similar measures. The selective application of this drastic step raises serious concerns about its true motives,” PANDEF argued.
It also noted that many states in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions face persistent violence, yet no emergency rule has been declared there.
Legal and Constitutional Violations
The forum highlighted the legal contradictions surrounding the timing of the declaration, particularly given that the Court of Appeal was set to rule on the status of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Furthermore, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had just begun hearing a related case when the emergency was imposed, effectively sidelining the judicial process.
“This is a clear case of executive overreach that preempts judicial proceedings, undermining the rule of law,” PANDEF emphasized.
Calls for Immediate Reversal and Legislative Action
PANDEF called on the National Assembly, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, to reject what it described as an undemocratic imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace and stability in Rivers State and the South-South region, pledging to engage all stakeholders, including the Federal Government, in pursuit of a just resolution.
“We will monitor developments closely and take all necessary constitutional steps to protect the democratic rights of the people of Rivers State,” the communiqué concluded.
Signed:
HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff, CFR (Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees)
His Excellency, Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah (Co-Chairman, Board of Trustees)
Amb. (Dr.) Godknows B. Igali, OON (National Chairman)
Chief (Sir) Obiuwevbi Ominimini, PhD (National Spokesman)
Dr. Amiida Fraser, MFR (Consultant)