Former Senate President and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a statement on Sunday, Wabara described the move as unconstitutional and a threat to democracy, calling for an immediate reversal.
Tinubu declared the state of emergency on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and the state’s House of Assembly members. He appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), as sole administrator for six months. The National Assembly ratified the decision on March 21.
Defending his actions, Tinubu argued that the political crisis between Fubara and lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike was pushing the state toward instability. However, many Nigerians, including opposition leaders, former President Goodluck Jonathan and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, condemned the decision as unconstitutional.
Wabara insisted that the President’s move disregarded the rule of law and reminded Nigerians of past military rule. He emphasized that elected officials could not be removed arbitrarily, as the constitution only allows a state of emergency under extreme circumstances like war or insurrection.
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued Tinubu over the decision. The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks to overturn the suspension of Rivers’ elected officials and the appointment of a sole administrator. SERAP argues that the move violates Nigeria’s constitution and international democratic principles.
The case, filed by lawyer Ebun Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), names the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Vice Admiral Ibas as defendants. The plaintiffs claim that the President’s actions undermine democracy and citizens’ rights to participate in governance. A hearing date has not been set.