Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State as PDP Faces Setbacks

Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State as PDP Faces Setbacks

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suffered a major blow on Tuesday as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, revoked 4,794 land titles in Abuja due to non-payment of ground rent. Among the affected properties is the PDP’s national secretariat in Abuja……….READ MORE

Simultaneously, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions.

Revocation of PDP’s Headquarters

In an official notice dated March 13, 2025, the Director of Land Administration in the FCT, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, announced that PDP had failed to pay ground rent for its headquarters, located at Plot No. 243, Central Area, Abuja, for 20 years (January 1, 2006 – January 1, 2025), despite repeated notifications.

As a result, the property has reverted to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which is set to take immediate possession. The PDP has strongly opposed this decision, calling it a political move aimed at suppressing opposition voices.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, condemned the revocation, labeling it an attack on democracy and a strategy to stifle opposition. Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Illiya Damagum, convened an emergency meeting to address the situation.

State of Emergency Declared in Rivers State

Amidst ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, President Tinubu announced a state of emergency due to security concerns. The move follows threats from militant groups to destroy oil pipelines if Governor Siminalayi Fubara was impeached.

The president explained that his mediation efforts had been unsuccessful, prompting decisive action. As part of the emergency measures:

• A retired naval officer has been appointed to oversee Rivers State for six months.
• Governor Fubara and state lawmakers will be temporarily suspended.

Atiku Abubakar Condemns Tinubu’s Actions

Former Vice President and PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, swiftly criticized the declaration, calling it “an assault on democracy.”

In a statement released on Tuesday night, Atiku accused Tinubu of being an active participant in the Rivers political crisis. He stated:“Bola Tinubu has played a partisan role in this crisis. His refusal—or deliberate negligence—to prevent its escalation is shameful.”

Atiku also blamed Tinubu’s administration for security lapses that led to infrastructure destruction in the Niger Delta. He further argued that the crisis reversed years of peace efforts initiated by former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Concluding his statement, Atiku described the state of emergency as “an unforgivable failure” that prioritizes political interests over public welfare.