Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) converged in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, to deliberate on pressing matters affecting the party and the broader state of the nation.

The meeting, which began on Sunday, was hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who treated his colleagues to a state banquet ahead of their closed-door discussions.

Among those present were Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum; Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau; Adamawa’s Ahmadu Umar Fintiri; Agbu Kefas of Taraba; Dauda Lawal of Zamfara; Peter Mbah of Enugu; and Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

However, noticeable absentees at the gathering included the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, as well as the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori.

Sources indicate that a major focus of the meeting was the situation in Rivers State, particularly the declaration of a state of emergency ahead of a Supreme Court hearing that involves political tensions in the state.

The forum also addressed ongoing efforts by PDP leaders and other opposition figures to build a broad coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on the significance of the meeting, Governor Makinde remarked, “The PDP Governors’ Forum meeting is necessary at this time to deliberate on the way forward for PDP as we reposition the party as the best option for Nigerians in 2027.”

The Rivers State Government has voiced its displeasure following the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) decision to move its 2025 Annual General Conference from Port Harcourt to Enugu, calling the reasons provided by the association “misleading, uncharitable, and unbecoming.”

The government is now requesting a refund of ₦300 million already paid to the NBA.

In a statement released on Monday by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the State Administrator, the government acknowledged the NBA’s right to choose a venue but took issue with the insinuation that the current administration was undermining democratic principles.

“The NBA’s statement overlooks the constitutional basis for the current administration in Rivers State.”

“The declaration of a state of emergency was a necessary response to a breakdown of public order and democratic processes,” the government said.

The statement went on to affirm that President Bola Tinubu acted within the limits of his constitutional authority when he imposed the emergency rule in Rivers, describing it as a reaction to the breakdown of democratic governance in the state.

“The Sole Administrator’s mandate is clear: to oversee a transitional period that ensures the return of full democratic governance in line with the Constitution.”

“To suggest that this intervention flouts the rule of law is not only incorrect but ignores the Supreme Court’s rulings that have validated key decisions made during this period,” the statement added.

Referencing legal backing for its position, the government cited the Supreme Court ruling in Suit No. SC/CV/1176/2024 – Rivers State House of Assembly & Others vs. Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) & Nine Others, which declared local government elections held in contravention of the Electoral Act as “unconstitutional, null, and void.”

While defending the ongoing interim leadership, the government emphasized its commitment to democratic restoration, the protection of rights, and adherence to judicial pronouncements.

“It is regrettable that the NBA, as a body of legal minds, would reduce a complex constitutional matter to political sensationalism,” the statement said.

The Rivers government further expressed dismay over what it termed the NBA’s “selective principled stand,” especially in light of the ₦300 million already disbursed for conference hosting arrangements.

“If the NBA truly stands on principle, it should demonstrate the same integrity by promptly returning these funds rather than benefiting from a state it now publicly discredits,” the statement declared.

Concluding, the government encouraged open dialogue and invited the NBA and other stakeholders to support the transitional process.

“The Sole Administrator remains focused on his mandate to stabilize the state and facilitate a smooth return to full constitutional governance. We urge the NBA and other well-meaning Nigerians to support this process in the interest of peace and progress,” the statement concluded.

Tensions surrounding the political crisis in Rivers State deepened on Monday as a coalition of women’s groups took to the streets of Port Harcourt, voicing their support for the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.

Dressed in white, the demonstrators marched from Garrison Flyover to the Isaac Boro Park, holding placards bearing messages like “State of Emergency is Constitutional” and “We Don’t Want Fubara.”

Leading the march was Ifeyinwa Aguma, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Social Welfare and a known supporter of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The women endorsed Ibok-Ette Ibas, appointed by Tinubu to administer the state, and urged him to “continue his good work in the state.”

This latest protest follows a separate demonstration held last week by women who backed the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

President Tinubu had announced the emergency rule in March, citing prolonged political instability and referencing “security reports” after two pipeline explosions in the state. According to Tinubu, the action was “inevitably compelling.”

“By this declaration,” Tinubu said, “the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”

He assigned Ibas to oversee the state’s administration while the crisis is being addressed. The move has triggered heated debate nationwide.

On Monday, the protesting women echoed the president’s justification, describing the measure as grounded in constitutional authority.

However, the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which counts Fubara among its ranks, has pushed back.

Governors from the party have rejected the emergency rule and are currently challenging it in court.

Administrator Ibas,

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has voiced strong disapproval over recent actions taken by the interim administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, accusing him of orchestrating a systematic dismantling of democratic institutions in the state.

In a statement released by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA criticized the administrator for reportedly removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s official portraits from public buildings—a move they interpret as a sign of disdain for democratic norms.

“We in HURIWA and about 36 other registered non-governmental organisations reject the unconstitutional overreach and the systematic power grab effort by someone who proudly told us that he served Nigeria for 40 years and was unblemished before he left the military as the nation’s naval chief,” Onwubiko said.

He further urged Ibas to reconsider his role in the unfolding political scenario, appealing to him to uphold his legacy rather than allow it to be tarnished.

“We are, by this media advisory, asking Ibas to preserve his good name and reputation by rejecting his current politically charged assignment that is completely against the spirit, the principle and the essence of the grundnorm. We urge him to stop being used to destroy democracy in Rivers state,” he added.

HURIWA also condemned what it described as a disregard for the judiciary, accusing Ibas of defying an existing order from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt that prohibits him from appointing unelected council administrators.

“HURIWA strongly condemns this illegal occupant of the position of the administrator of Rivers State who has demonstrated that he is so power hungry and is out for systematic power grab.”

“We condemn, as reprehensible, despicable and unconstitutional, the decision by the sole administrator to make fresh appointments into the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission even when there are electoral commissioners and chairman whose tenure hasn’t elapsed,” the statement read.

In response to the criticisms, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to neutrality in the state’s political crisis.

Speaking during a meeting with youth leaders and other stakeholders, led by Rivers State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Nwisabari Bani, the administrator emphasized his dedication to the rule of law.

“It is important to restate my impartial stand on the political crisis that has plagued our State,” Ibas said.

“I remain committed to upholding the law and ensuring that all individuals, irrespective of their political affiliations, have a voice in the future of Rivers State. My administration will continue to focus on the collective good of our people.”