Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, has launched a scathing critique of the imposed emergency rule in Rivers State, labeling it a “gross violation” of the Nigerian Constitution and a direct assault on democratic principles. In a statement released Sunday, Wabara condemned the removal of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and state assembly members, asserting that the action represented a dangerous overreach of executive power.
“This is a direct attack on the core of our Republic,” Wabara declared, expressing dismay that President Tinubu disregarded his prior warnings against such a move. “I unequivocally denounce this action, which undermines the sovereignty of the Rivers people and disregards the rule of law. It recalls the dark days of military rule, a period we thought was long behind us.”
Wabara emphasized that the constitution does not grant the president unilateral authority to remove elected officials, stressing that Rivers’ leaders were chosen by the electorate, not appointed by the executive. “This unconstitutional usurpation of power fundamentally breaches Nigeria’s federal structure,” he stated.
He further raised suspicions about the timing of the emergency declaration, linking it to the recent revocation of the PDP National Secretariat’s land in Abuja. “Is it a mere coincidence that these actions occurred simultaneously?” he questioned.
Calling on the National Assembly to intervene, Wabara urged lawmakers to resist becoming a “rubber stamp” for executive decisions. “They must engage the President and find a way to adopt a Doctrine of Necessity to salvage this situation. They must defend our democracy and protect the rule of law,” he implored.
Reaffirming the PDP’s unwavering support for Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State, Wabara pledged that the party would stand with them during this critical political juncture.
