The party also denounced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing it as a “direct assault on the 1999 Constitution.”

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it an “unconstitutional overreach” and a “grave violation of Nigeria’s democratic principles.”

The party made its position known in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq.

The party also denounced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing it as a “direct assault on the 1999 Constitution.”

According to the PRP, the move contradicts Section 305 of the Constitution, which outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency may be declared. “The President has no legal authority to suspend or remove elected officials in this manner,” the party asserted.

“Such an act is not only illegal but also threatens the very foundation of our democracy.”

The PRP insisted that the political issues in Rivers State do not justify the extreme measure taken by the President. “This is a political matter that should be handled through legal and constitutional channels,” the party stated. 

“By resorting to executive fiat, the Presidency has set a dangerous precedent that could lead to further abuses of power.”

Expressing deep concern over the National Assembly’s role, the PRP reminded lawmakers of their duty to safeguard democratic institutions. “The Constitution is clear: the approval of the National Assembly is required before a state of emergency can take effect,” the party noted. 

“Any attempt to use emergency powers as a tool for political maneuvering must be rejected outright.”

The PRP’s statement also stressed that “democracy thrives on the will of the people, and no President should have the unchecked power to overturn election results under any pretext.”

The party warned that allowing such an act to go unchallenged could lead to a “systematic erosion of democratic governance.”

The party demanded “the immediate reinstatement of Governor Fubara, his Deputy, and the state lawmakers who were suspended.” 

It called for “a full review of the President’s actions to assess their legality and constitutional implications.” There must also be “a firm commitment from the National Assembly to prevent future abuses of emergency powers.” 

The PRP further urged lawmakers to “seriously consider whether the President’s actions constitute an impeachable offense.”

The PRP emphasised that “a government that disrespects the Constitution endangers the very fabric of democracy.” It warned that “this unlawful action must not be allowed to stand,” and that “the will of the people cannot be subverted by executive overreach.” 

They also called for “a serious review of the President's purported Declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State against our extant constitutional provisions to determine whether or not his action amounts to an impeachable offence, and if so, to commence proceedings accordingly.”

The party stated that “Nigeria’s democracy was hard-earned and must be protected at all costs.” It further urged that “the National Assembly must not rubber-stamp illegality but should act as the true guardian of democratic governance.”

The party concluded its statement by urging “Nigerians, civil society groups, and the international community to speak out against this blatant disregard for constitutional democracy.” It reaffirmed its commitment to “protecting Nigeria’s democratic institutions from executive overreach.”

“This is not just about Rivers State,” the PRP declared. “This is about the future of democracy in Nigeria. We must not allow tyranny to take root under the guise of governance.”

It would be recalled that President Bola Tinubu announced an emergency rule in Rivers State suspending governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and all lawmakers in the state in process.