The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu of abusing his powers by suspending Rivers State Governor, Siminilayi Fubara, during the emergency rule period. The party insisted that the President must apologise to Nigerians.

PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, said this in Abuja on Wednesday while reacting to the President’s action. He explained that Tinubu’s move weakened the separation of powers and created a bad example for Nigeria’s democracy.

According to Osadolor, the President acted beyond his powers. He said Tinubu’s statement to governors sounded like a headmaster talking to his students instead of respecting the Constitution.

He noted that if the President can remove elected governors, then no one will be able to check his own authority. He argued that such action is against the 1999 Constitution and demanded Tinubu’s apology to Nigerians and the international community.

Osadolor also asked the President to support the National Assembly in making laws that will stop any future attempt to suspend a governor unconstitutionally. He accused lawmakers of being influenced to approve what he called an “abnormal report.”

He stressed that Nigeria is guided by the Constitution, and no President has the right to go against it, no matter how powerful or emotional he may be.

Osadolor further criticised the tone of Tinubu’s address, saying it was harsh and unnecessary. He compared it to the language of a military commander instead of that of a democratic leader.

He called for a full investigation into the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as an abuse of power and a sign of weakness in Nigeria’s governance system.

Finally, he reminded the President that it is only the National Assembly that has the authority to remove or suspend a governor, not the President.