Niger Delta Progressive Youth leadership Condemns Suspension of Gov Siminalayi Fubara, Other's Elected official,
Good day,
Ladies and gentlemen of the Press,
The critical stakeholders of our blessed Niger Region,
Concerned Citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The OFFICE OF THE NIGER-DELTA PROGRESSIVE YOUTHS LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION (NDPYLF), hereby invite you all, on this day, March 24, 2025, to a press briefing concerning the state of affairs of our dear country, Nigeria. This is because Nigeria belongs to all of us. As patriotic citizens, we must stand tall to defend its integrity and democracy. We have no other country but Nigeria, and we must protect and defend its image both locally, nationally, and internationally.
You are all aware that, on the 18th of March, 2025, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu (GCFR), declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly in Rivers State. He also appointed a sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), a former Chief of Naval Staff, to manage the affairs of Rivers State for six months.
Mr. President cited the following reasons to back up his actions:
1. He stated that the ongoing crisis has paralyzed governance in Rivers State, saying: "With the crisis persisting, democratic governance—which we have all fought and worked for over the years—cannot thrive in a way that benefits the good people of the state."
2. "The state has been at a standstill since the crisis began, preventing its residents from enjoying the dividends of democracy."
3. He also noted that interventions by prominent figures had failed to resolve the crisis.
Mr. President, Sir, PANDEF fully embraces your directive to sustain its ongoing mediation and reconciliation efforts and to intensify engagements with key stakeholders. This is aimed at fostering dialogue and achieving an amicable resolution that guarantees lasting peace and harmony in the political crisis in Rivers State. The Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the political crisis in Rivers State, is composed of respected individuals with a strong record of leadership in the Niger Delta Region, including:
a. H.E. Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
b. Col. Pam Ogar, former Military Governor of Kwara State.
c. H.E. Admiral Jonah John, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
d. Chief Mrs. Sen. Stella Omu, former Chief Whip of the Senate and Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Planning, Women Affairs, and Youth Development.
e. Engr. Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
f. Sen. Roland Stephen Owie, former Senator of the Fourth Republic.
g. Rt. Hon. Dr. Stella Ayamara Dorgu, former leader in the House of Representatives.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, demonstrated a willingness to engage with this committee, while the Honourable Minister continues to display hostility and a dismissive attitude toward this esteemed Peace and Reconciliation Committee. This shows that Governor Fubara was ready for peace, while the other party was primarily interested in impeachment.
4. "It is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State, for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly as far back as December 13, 2023, and has yet to rebuild it, even after 14 months." Mr. President Sir, people came to villa and lied to you that there was no new construction of building, but it is unfortunate that, the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has confirm that during his inspection of the ongoing work at the complex, located along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, on Saturday urging the contractor to speed up work and deliver the project as agreed and also said that work in the Rivers state House of Assembly is 80 percent completion.
5. "I have personally intervened between the contending parties to facilitate a peaceful resolution, but my efforts have been largely ignored. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought, and patriotic groups have made similar attempts, all to no avail."
6. Our President further accused Governor Fubara of unconstitutional acts and a disregard for the rule of law: "On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered a judgment on about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State. The court, based on the grave unconstitutional acts and disregard for the rule of law committed by the Governor—evidenced before it—pronounced its ruling in very clear terms." The Supreme Court emphasized the absence of a functional government in Rivers State, stating: "A government cannot be said to exist without all three arms of government functioning under the 1999 Constitution (as amended). In this case, the head of the executive arm has deliberately collapsed the legislature to enable him to govern without legislative oversight, effectively ruling as a despot. As it stands, there is no functioning government in Rivers State."
We wish to inform Mr. President that, based on the Supreme Court judgment and Wike's demands, Governor Sim Fubara has started to implement the process outlined in the Supreme Court judgment. Firstly, all elected Local Government Chairmen across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State have been dissolved, and the Heads of Local Government Administrative Officers across the 23 Local Government Areas have been given the responsibilities and obligations of the Councils. Secondly, the Governor also went to the Rivers State House of Assembly to re-present the 2025 budget to the Hon. Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly. Unfortunately, the gates of the Rivers State House of Assembly were locked against the Executive Governor of the State. Later, Hon. Martin Amaewhule announced an indefinite recess.
7. Before declaring the state of emergency, our President accused Governor Fubara of failing to disown militants who had threatened to destroy pipelines in the state.
8. According to Mr. President, the House of Assembly and the governor have failed to work together. "Neither seems to realize that they are in office to serve the peace and good governance of the state."
However, the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation observes that, with the issues raised by our President, it is clear that Mr. President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, was systematically misinformed by some individuals within Aso Villa for their personal gains. Otherwise, the concerns raised by Mr. President are not sufficient to justify the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This is because Rivers State is not at war. It is a political disagreement between the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyeson Wike, and Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara that requires a political solution. Had some of us been in the Presidential Villa with Mr. President, we could have advised him, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to set up an independent Presidential Reconciliation and Peace Committee to intervene between Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, FCT Minister Barrister Ezenwo Nyeson Wike, and the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, instead of declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.
According to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, a state of emergency can be declared under the following conditions: If Nigeria is at war. If the country faces an imminent threat of invasion or involvement in war. If there is a breakdown of public order and safety in any part of the country. If there is a clear and present danger of such a breakdown. If a disaster or natural calamity has occurred or is imminent. If any situation arises that poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s existence. If a state governor requests a state of emergency or fails to act within a reasonable time, allowing the president to make the decision.
According to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, a state of emergency can be declared under the following conditions:
1. If Nigeria is at war.
2. If the country faces an imminent threat of invasion or involvement in war.
3. If there is a breakdown of public order and safety in any part of the country.
4. If there is a clear and present danger of such a breakdown.
5. If a disaster or natural calamity has occurred or is imminent.
6. If any situation arises that poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s existence.
7. If a state governor requests a state of emergency or fails to act within a reasonable time, thereby allowing the president to make the decision.
There is no doubt that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the power to declare a state of emergency in any part of Nigeria. However, the constitution does not grant the president the power to suspend an elected governor, deputy governor, or members of the legislature. Furthermore, the power to declare a state of emergency under Section 305 of the constitution is not absolute.
That is why Section 305(1) uses the phrase "subject to the provisions of this Constitution." The president is not the employer of the governor or deputy governor of Rivers State, nor is he the employer of the members of the State House of Assembly. The power to declare a state of emergency in any part of Nigeria, or even across the entire country, must be exercised in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and must not be exercised in flagrant violation of the same Constitution.
This clearly shows that Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi SAN, the current Attorney General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice of Nigeria, has failed in his duties and responsibilities to advise President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on the proper interpretation of the Nigerian Constitution regarding the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation (ND-PYLF) also acknowledges the fundamental fact that the President holds the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any part of Nigeria. However, this proclamation must be published in the official government gazette and ratified by the National Assembly, requiring approval from two-thirds of its members.
It is important to state clearly that the current Nigerian National Assembly, under the leadership of Senate President, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has failed Nigerians due to their inability to correct President Ahmed Bola Tinubu on the issue of the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The implications of this state of emergency, if not addressed, could be far-reaching. For instance, a northern president might have an interest in any of the Niger Delta oil-producing states, instigate a minor crisis, and declare a state of emergency in that particular state, appointing a sole administrator from states like Sokoto or Kano to manage its affairs. Nigerian politicians should not encourage any model that contradicts the rule of law and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
Despite its intended purpose, a state of emergency carries significant risks, such as abuse of power, threats to democracy, and political manipulation. In this regard, ministers appointed by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR should use their privileged positions to assist and advise him on sound decisions that will enable his administration of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ to succeed, rather than misinforming him for their political gains.
It is pertinent to state that Mr. President issued a presidential directive to the appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. Mr. President further stated that the declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate. “The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will be free to formulate regulations as may be necessary to carry out his duties, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state. The inevitable intervention of the Administrator will help restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State, in particular, and Nigeria as a whole.”
As a former Chief of Naval Staff and the newly appointed Administrator in Rivers State, his experience in military discipline, strategic planning, and crisis management will be tested. This is the time for him to demonstrate his genuine experience in building consolidated peace between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly. Therefore, the Administrator should not be biased as he continues to work to restore the democratically elected officers and political stability in Rivers State within the stipulated six months.
Finally, the Niger Delta Progressive Youth Leadership Foundation (ND-PYLF) calls on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu (GCFR), Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to be vigilant and monitor the body language of all his political appointees, most importantly the ministers, to checkmate any activities that are inimical to his re-election in 2027.
ND-PYLF will continue to stand tall in defense of Nigeria's constitutional democracy and ensure that, in 2027, Southern Nigeria maintains the presidency until 2031.
God bless you all!
God bless Rivers State!
God bless Niger Delta Region!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Chief Diplomat, Amb. Adam E.O.O. Marbo
National President/CEO
(ND-PYLF)
a.k.a: The Voice of the Voiceless
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