The Presidency has rejected criticisms by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) concerning the reinstatement of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, calling the party’s remarks “late pontification and empty noise.”

In a statement on Friday, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, defended the government’s decision to use Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare emergency rule in Rivers State, saying it was both constitutional and necessary.

According to Dare, assertions by the ADC that the President acted in an autocratic manner or undermined federalism are unfounded. He explained that the emergency measures were undertaken to restore peace, prevent lawlessness, and stabilize government functions in Rivers State.

“What ADC offers Nigerians is late pontification and empty noise. What the President delivered is stability, the return of democratic institutions, and peace in Rivers State,” the statement read.

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Earlier, ADC had condemned Tinubu’s actions, arguing that the suspension and reinstatement of the governor set a dangerous precedent that could weaken constitutional norms. Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, described the move as “whimsically autocratic” and a threat to democratic governance.