Pan-Niger Delta Forum Reacts To Tinubu's Emergency Declaration In Rivers State

Concerns Emerge Over Tinubu's Emergency Move in Rivers State

Listen, folks, let me break this down for you. The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) is raising some serious eyebrows over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. This move comes amid a political storm that's been brewing in the region, and it’s got everyone talking. On Tuesday, Tinubu made the bold call, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. To step in and stabilize things, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) has been appointed as the Administrator to take the reins during this challenging period.

PANDEF Calls the Move "Alarming"

Now, here’s the kicker. PANDEF, represented by its National Spokesman, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, isn’t exactly thrilled with this decision. They’ve described it as "alarming" and are voicing concerns about what this could mean for the region. As an organization that stands firmly for the interests of the South-South geopolitical zone, PANDEF is keeping a close eye on the situation. They’ve made it clear that they’re not just going to sit back and watch—there’s going to be an official stance coming soon, and everyone’s waiting with bated breath to see what it will be.

In their statement, PANDEF laid it out pretty plainly: “PANDEF is seriously alarmed by the state of emergency declared in Rivers State due to a crisis that is ordinarily avoidable. We are therefore studying the situation and we shall soon come up with PANDEF’s position.” That’s a pretty strong message, and it shows just how significant this moment is for the region.

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Tinubu’s Move: A Last Resort?

So, why did President Tinubu feel the need to step in? Well, it’s been a long road of political turmoil in Rivers State. Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his administration have been embroiled in a series of constitutional violations, including the shocking dissolution of the state legislature. This move sparked widespread unrest, and despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue—both internally and externally, including a Supreme Court ruling back in February 2025—there’s been no real progress. Things have only gotten worse, prompting Tinubu to declare this state of emergency as a last resort.

Supreme Court’s Verdict: No Functional Government

Back in February, the Supreme Court of Nigeria dropped a bombshell. They declared that, thanks to Governor Fubara's actions, there was no longer a functional government in Rivers State. The court stated that "a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state." Essentially, by dismantling the state legislature, Fubara had left the state without a constitutional foundation. The court also ruled that 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who were allegedly part of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were still valid members and needed to be reinstated. However, despite this ruling, there’s been a deafening silence from the state leadership. Key issues, like the passage of the 2025 state budget, remain unresolved, leaving the region in limbo.

This situation is far from over, and as the dust settles, all eyes are on PANDEF and President Tinubu to see how this unfolds. One thing’s for sure: the people of Rivers State—and the entire nation—are hoping for a resolution that brings stability and peace to the region.