See the list of Governors Set to Challenge Tinubu in Court Over Fubara's Suspension
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that a coalition of 12 governors elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will take legal action against the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. Makinde emphasized that while personal feelings and political loyalties could vary, the preservation of democracy must remain paramount. He further asserted that the suspension of both Fubara and the legislative bodies of Rivers State was an unlawful action that could not be ignored.
President Bola Tinubu, in his efforts to resolve the political turmoil in Rivers State, declared a state of emergency, which resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the members of the State House of Assembly. In light of this, the 12 PDP governors have united in their stance against what they view as an unjust move by the president. They are determined to challenge the suspension in a court of law.
In a statement made on March 19, Governor Makinde underscored the resolve of the PDP governors to protect democratic principles, stressing that no effort would be spared in defending the integrity of the nation’s democracy. He also highlighted the collective decision of the PDP Governors’ Forum, which convened to discuss the issue. The governors, according to Makinde, are united in their commitment to challenging the suspension in a court of competent jurisdiction.
The issue came to the forefront following President Tinubu's announcement on March 18, 2025, in which he declared the state of emergency in Rivers due to the ongoing political strife. This situation stemmed from the deteriorating relationship between Governor Fubara and the former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The discord between the two political figures, which began shortly after Fubara assumed office, has escalated into a full-blown crisis, leading to the president's intervention.
As part of the emergency measures, President Tinubu announced the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly. In addition, Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the state's interim administrator to oversee its affairs. This move has been met with criticism, especially from the PDP and its governors, who view it as an overreach and a violation of democratic principles.
Governor Makinde’s statement was issued shortly after the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, strongly rejected the state of emergency declaration. The forum denounced the suspension of Governor Fubara as an unlawful action that should be reversed immediately. They described the suspension as a "grievous mistake" and labeled it an “atrocious and retrograde decision,” signaling their opposition to what they consider an undemocratic move.
The political tension in Rivers State highlights a broader struggle within Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP, which remains a major opposition force in the country. With 12 states currently under PDP control, the party is a key player in Nigeria’s governance and politics. The governors of these states have made it clear that they will not allow what they perceive to be an unlawful suspension to stand without contest.
The following states are under the control of the PDP, with their respective governors:
This list signifies the PDP's strong presence in the Nigerian political sphere and underscores the party's ability to mobilize significant opposition against the ruling government. The governors, in their collective response to Fubara’s suspension, are aiming to protect the democratic process and prevent what they see as a dangerous precedent.
In his statement, Governor Makinde emphasized that despite political allegiance, the time had come for a firm stance in defense of fairness, equity, and justice. He expressed his approval of the actions taken by the PDP governors, highlighting that they would not stand idly by as what they consider a threat to democracy unfolded. The legal challenge will seek to overturn the suspension, which they argue was imposed without constitutional or legal justification.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0