‘We are seriously alarmed’: Pandef reacts when Tinubu declares the state of emergency in the rivers

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (Pandef) has expressed concern about the statement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of an emergency state in the state of Rivers, after the growing political crisis in the state.

In a national transmission on Tuesday, President Tinubu declared the state of emergency and the suspended governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi ODU, and the members of the Chamber of the Assembly of the State of Rivers for six months. He also appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) As administrator to supervise state affairs during this period.

Pandef, in a statement issued by its national spokesman, Dr. Obiuwevbi OminiminiHe described the decision as “alarming” and expressed concerns about the possible implications.

The organization, which represents the South-South Geopolitical Zone, emphasized that it would closely monitor the situation and announce its official position soon.

The statement said: “Pandef is seriously alarmed by the state of emergency declared in the state of the rivers due to a crisis that is normally avoidable. Therefore, we are studying the situation and we will soon find Pandef’s position. “

The announcement of President Tinubu occurred after a prolonged political crisis that saw the governor of the state of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara, and his administration wrapped in constitutional violations, including the illegal dissolution of the state legislature and the generalized disturbances. The president said that, despite the numerous interventions inside and outside the State, including the decision of the Supreme Court in February 2025, there was no resolution, and the situation had continued deteriorating.

In February, the Supreme Court of Nigeria declared that there was no functional government in the state of Rivers due to the actions of Governor Fubara, which had “collapsed” the state legislature to govern without it. The court ruling declared that “it cannot be said that a government exists without one of the three weapons that make up the government of a State”, and that the governor’s actions left the state leadership unconstitutional.

The court also ruled that 27 members of the Chamber of the Assembly of the State of Rivers, who had allegedly deserted the Congress of all progressives (APC), were still valid members and should be allowed to resume their legislative duties. However, despite the ruling, state leadership has not taken measures to meet the trial, especially with respect to the approval of the 2025 state budget.