The 12 governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have vowed to challenge what they describe as a “coup against Nigeria” by President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly. The decision follows the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an action they have condemned as unconstitutional and a dangerous assault on democracy.
This resolution was reached during an emergency meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum, where the governors unanimously agreed to take legal action against what they consider an illegal and undemocratic move. Speaking after the meeting, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde stated that the forum had resolved to challenge the decision in court, describing it as “presidential rascality.”
According to Makinde, democracy must be protected at all costs, regardless of political affiliations or personal loyalties. He emphasized that the suspension of Governor Fubara, along with the dissolution of the legislative arm of government in Rivers State, was not only illegal but a direct threat to the democratic principles that Nigerians have fought hard to uphold.
The PDP governors believe that the action taken against Fubara was a deliberate attempt to undermine the independence of state governments and erode democratic institutions. They argue that if such a move is allowed to stand, it will set a dangerous precedent, giving the federal government excessive power over state affairs and weakening the autonomy of elected officials.
The crisis in Rivers State has been a subject of national debate in recent months, with political tensions escalating between Governor Fubara and certain forces within the state. However, the decision to suspend him has drawn widespread criticism, with many seeing it as an overreach by the federal government and the National Assembly. The PDP governors have now taken it upon themselves to fight what they describe as a coup against Nigeria’s democracy.
Makinde made it clear that their decision to challenge the suspension was not about political party interests but about the survival of democracy in the country. He insisted that if such an act of impunity is not confronted, Nigeria risks sliding into a system where governors can be removed at will without due process, reducing elected officials to mere puppets of the central government.
The PDP governors are expected to file their legal challenge in the coming days, seeking to overturn the suspension and reaffirm the independence of state governments. Legal experts and political analysts have weighed in on the matter, with many agreeing that the suspension of an elected governor without a clear constitutional basis is a violation of democratic norms.
In recent years, Nigeria has faced increasing concerns over the concentration of power at the center and the erosion of democratic structures. This latest controversy has further deepened those fears, with many seeing it as an indication that the ruling party is willing to sideline the rule of law for political convenience.
The opposition party has also accused President Tinubu’s administration of engaging in dictatorial tendencies, using federal institutions to suppress opposition voices and weaken democracy. They argue that this pattern of governance, if not checked, could lead to an authoritarian system where dissenting voices are silenced and the will of the people is disregarded.
Looks good but with all the kill joys that have been the lot of judgements from Nigerian Courts since the locust years of Muhammad Buhari, will Justice be served?