Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State. Wabara described the move as unconstitutional and a serious threat to democracy in Nigeria.
In a statement on Sunday, Wabara criticized the President for suspending the elected governor, deputy governor, and State House of Assembly members, replacing them with a sole administrator. He called it a violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and an abuse of power.
“This action is a direct attack on the essence of our Republic. It deserves the strongest condemnation and corrective action by all well-meaning Nigerians, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community,” Wabara stated.
The former Senate President revealed that he had previously advised Tinubu against declaring an emergency rule in Rivers State, but his warning was ignored. He expressed disappointment, stating that the decision undermines the people’s sovereignty and weakens the democratic process in Nigeria.
“I unequivocally denounce the President’s action, which disregards the rule of law and undermines the sovereignty of the people of Rivers State. This undemocratic move violates our constitution, which the President swore to uphold, and threatens the very foundation of democracy in Nigeria,” Wabara asserted.
He compared Tinubu’s actions to Nigeria’s past under military rule, warning that such decisions take the country backward. According to him, the people of Rivers State used their democratic rights to elect their leaders, and the President has no constitutional authority to remove them unilaterally.
“The constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials. Such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure. The President’s decision to impose an unelected sole administrator is nothing short of a democratic travesty,” he stressed.
Wabara also urged the National Assembly to take a stand and prevent the executive from overstepping its powers. He called on lawmakers to ensure that democracy remains intact and that Rivers State is not subjected to authoritarian rule.
“They must engage Mr. President and find a way to adopt a Doctrine of Necessity to salvage the situation. They must defend our democracy and protect the rule of law,” he stated.
