In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the ongoing political standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The move, which included the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, has ignited intense debate across Nigeria’s political and legal circles.
Resource Control at the Heart of the Crisis – Ogbonna Nwuke
Reacting to the unfolding crisis, former House of Representatives member Ogbonna Nwuke attributed the political turmoil in Rivers State to a fierce battle for resource control. Speaking on Channels Television’s “Morning Brief” on Wednesday, Nwuke expressed shock over Tinubu’s decision, labelling it as one-sided and potentially unconstitutional.
[blockquote style=”blockquote_style2″ align=”aligncenter” textcolor=”#000000″ background=”#ffffff” bordercolor = “#e80c0c”]This is about control – not just of the political structure, but of the state’s vast resources. The president’s decision to suspend Governor Fubara raises serious concerns, as it appears to ignore the voice of the people,” Nwuke stated.[/blockquote]
Nwuke further argued that while Tinubu cited Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution as the legal basis for his decision, due process may not have been fully followed. He added that many residents of Rivers remain baffled by the drastic nature of the federal intervention.
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Nwuke further argued that while Tinubu cited Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution as the legal basis for his decision, due process may not have been fully followed. He added that many residents of Rivers remain baffled by the drastic nature of the federal intervention.
New Leadership Appointed Amidst Backlash
As part of the emergency measures, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the administrator of Rivers State, effectively placing the former military chief in charge of governance for the next six months. The move has only intensified reactions, with political stakeholders questioning the legitimacy and long-term implications of the suspension.
Tony Cole: “This Could Mark the End of an Era”
2023 Rivers APC governorship candidate Tony Cole also weighed in on the matter, warning that if not properly managed, the crisis could signal the end of the current political structure in Rivers State.
[blockquote style=”blockquote_style2″ align=”aligncenter” textcolor=”#000000″ background=”#ffffff” bordercolor = “#e80c0c”]This is bigger than just a political dispute. We are witnessing a turning point that could pave the way for a new generation of leadership,” Cole remarked [/blockquote]
He criticised the self-serving interests of the state’s political elite, arguing that the welfare of the people had been neglected amid the ongoing power struggle.
Was the State of Emergency Necessary? Legal Experts Weigh In
The legality of President Tinubu’s declaration has become a hotly contested issue, with experts divided over whether such a drastic step was warranted.
- Libelous Oshona, a political analyst, argued that the state of emergency was unnecessary, as Governor Fubara had already pledged to comply with the Supreme Court ruling that nullified the controversial local government elections.
- Senior legal practitioner Jiti Ogunye, however, defended the decision, stating that the escalating political tension warranted decisive action. Nonetheless, Ogunye suggested that a peace deal should have been explored first before invoking a state of emergency.
What’s Next for Rivers State?
As the political crisis deepens, Rivers residents and political observers are left wondering what the long-term impact of Tinubu’s decision will be. Will the state of emergency bring stability or further division?
For now, Rivers State remains a battleground for political supremacy, with both sides refusing to back down.
