Suspended Governor Siminalayi Joseph Fubara of Rivers State participated in a zoom meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum on Friday where far reaching decisions, including the political impasse in Rivers state were taken.
One of such is their intention to challenge the emergency rule imposed in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. In a communique signed by Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, the governors reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance and ensuring that the rule of law is maintained in Nigeria.
The communique read: “The Forum employed the occasion to review the unfortunate proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his nationwide broadcast of Tuesday, March 18, 2025; and frowned at the purported suspension by the President of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and the Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
The statement continued, “The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria, therefore we have resolved to instruct our Attorneys General in the PDP-controlled States to challenge Section 305 (3) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended and subject it to judicial interpretation.”
The PDP governors also expressed solidarity with their suspended counterpart and the people of the state. “The Forum stands in solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state’s political history,” the communique stated.
The Zoom meeting was attended by key party chieftains, including: Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Bauchi State) – Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers State) – Vice Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum.
Also in attendance were: Engr. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Sen. Diri Douye (Bayelsa State), Dr. Peter N. Mbah (Enugu State) and Sen. Ademola Adeleke (Osun State).
Others included, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau State), Dr. Agbu Kefas (Taraba State), Dr. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara State) and Sir Monday Onyeme (Delta State) – Deputy Governor.