The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has called on the National Assembly to review President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying that the move may amount to an impeachable offense.
The party described the president’s decision as unconstitutional, noting that it undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions and constitutes a serious breach of the 1999 Constitution, which it said serves as the bedrock of Nigeria’s governance, reports The Guardian.
The party, in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, argued that Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly was an abuse of executive power that must not go unchallenged.
While demanding the immediate reinstatement of the governor and a legislative review of the President’s decision, the party urged lawmakers to investigate whether Tinubu’s actions constitute grounds for impeachment.
The party said: “The PRP asserts that the president’s actions reflect a dangerous and unconstitutional overreach of executive power. According to Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, the President may declare a state of emergency under specific and stringent conditions.
“However, this provision does not grant the authority to unilaterally suspend or remove elected state officials. Such actions are a direct affront to the principles of democracy and the rule of law, which have been painstakingly established in our nation.
“We note with grave concern that the political tensions and alleged issues leading to this declaration do not rise to the level of a constitutional crisis that would warrant the suspension of an entire state government.
“The disputes that have arisen within Rivers State are political in nature and should be resolved through established constitutional mechanisms, such as the judiciary, rather than through executive fiat.
“Legally, the declaration of emergency in any state is dependent on the confirmation of the National Assembly. To remove a democratically elected official under the guise of emergency powers sets a perilous precedent that could lead to future abuses by the executive branch. The PRP emphasizes that the essential tenet of democracy is the recognition and respect of the electorate’s choice. No citizen should live in fear that their duly elected leaders can be dismissed by unilateral and arbitrary decisions from the Presidency.”
The PRP further demanded a comprehensive review of the President’s actions to ensure accountability and adherence to the Constitution.
It also demanded a serious commitment from the National Assembly to safeguard the democratic process by investigating and nullifying this illegal suspension.
“A serious review of the president’s purported declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State against our extant constitutional provisions to determine whether or not his action amounts to an impeachable offense, and if so, to commence proceedings accordingly.
“In conclusion, the PRP stands firm in its commitment to protect Nigeria’s democracy and uphold the Constitution. We call on all citizens, civil society organisations, and the international community to denounce this executive overreach and advocate for the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State,” PRP added.
