JUST IN: OPPOSITION LEADERS REJECT TINUBU’S STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS, CALL FOR REVERSAL

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Opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, urgingthe National Assembly to reject the move.

Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led a press conference at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, where he described Tinubu’s decision as an unconstitutional power grab.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately revoke this unconstitutional proclamation and reinstate the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Assembly of Rivers State,” Atiku said.

He further appealed to lawmakers, stating: “The National Assembly must stand on the right side of history and not allow itself to be used to legitimize an illegal action.”

Rivers State has been embroiled in political turmoil for nearly two years, fueled by a power struggle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara. This prolonged conflict has led to a governance deadlock in the oil-rich state.

On Tuesday, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months

The President also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator, placing Rivers State under federal control.

Within hours of the announcement, military forces moved in and took control of the Government House in Port Harcourt.

While Fubara called for calm, the Rivers State House of Assembly has backed the President’s decision.

The press conference was attended by a coalition of opposition figures, including the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi (represented by Yunusa Tanko), Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, Convener of The Alternative, Segun Showunmi

Other political heavyweights who could not attend but sent their apologies included, Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, Former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, Immediate past National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu

The National Assembly is expected to deliberate on the emergency declaration, with growing calls from opposition leaders for lawmakers to reject it.

As tensions rise, all eyes remain on how the federal government and the National Assembly will handle the deepening political crisis in Rivers State.

More updates to follow….