Suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, reportedly arrived in Asaba, Delta State, on Friday March 21, to attend a meeting of governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The meeting comes amid heightened political tensions following the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The PDP, Nigeria’s main opposition party, currently controls 12 out of the country’s 36 states. While the party recently issued a statement condemning the presidency’s action, today’s meeting is expected to deliberate on the political crisis in Rivers State and other pressing national issues. Governors in attendance are likely to discuss legal and strategic responses to the federal government’s decision.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. In their place, he appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as the sole administrator of the state. The National Assembly ratified the emergency rule on Thursday following deliberations in both chambers. The PDP governors’ meeting is expected to shape the party’s next steps in response to the unfolding political situation.