PRP Warns Tinubu Against Impeachable Moves in Rivers Crisis, Calls for National Assembly Action

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State may be grounds for impeachment and has urged the National Assembly to examine it.

The PRP denounced the President’s decision as unlawful in a statement released on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ishaq.
According to reports, the party contended that Tinubu’s activities seriously violate the 1999 Constitution, which forms the basis of the country’s government, and threaten Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The party denounced as an abuse of presidential power that must not be allowed to continue the president’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and every member of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The President’s acts, according to the PRP, represent a risky and unlawful abuse of presidential authority. The Nigerian Constitution’s Section 305 permits the president to declare a state of emergency under certain, strict guidelines. However, according to the statement, “this provision does not grant the authority to unilaterally suspend or remove elected state officials.”

The party also underlined how suspending state officials erodes Nigeria’s laboriously cultivated democracy and rule of law.

It said that the extreme remedy was not warranted since political tensions in Rivers State did not escalate to the point of a constitutional crisis.

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The PRP asked for a legislative review of President Tinubu’s decision and requested that Governor Fubara be reinstated immediately. It called on lawmakers to look into whether the president’s actions are grounds for impeachment.

The statement added, “We take note with great concern that the political tensions and purported problems that led to this declaration do not amount to a constitutional crisis that would call for the suspension of an entire state government.”

The party emphasized that constitutional processes, like the judiciary, should be used to settle internal conflicts rather than executive decree. It also served as a reminder that the National Assembly must approve any declaration of emergency.

A democratically elected individual being removed under emergency powers creates a risky precedent that could result in other abuses by the executive branch, the PRP cautioned.

It reaffirmed that respecting the electorate’s choice is a fundamental democratic principle and that no citizen should have to live in constant fear of being arbitrarily removed by the presidency.

Demand Action from the National Assembly
To guarantee accountability and constitutional observance, the PRP has demanded a thorough examination of the President’s activities.

Additionally, it called on the National Assembly to look into and possibly lift the suspension in order to protect the democratic process.

“The President’s alleged declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State should be carefully examined in light of our current constitutional provisions to see if it constitutes an impeachable violation.

“If so, the appropriate course of action should be taken,” the party said.

The PRP concluded by restating its dedication to preserving Nigerian democracy and the Constitution. It called on the foreign community, civil society groups, and all citizens to condemn what it described as an executive overreach and support the return of democratic governance to Rivers State.

“We remain steadfast in our resolve to defend Nigeria’s democracy and enforce the Constitution. The PRP closed by urging the foreign community, civil society organizations, and all individuals to condemn this governmental overreach.