Nigeria’s political tensions have reached a boiling point after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers.
The decision, announced during a nationwide broadcast, has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about its legality and implications for democracy.
Kelvin Ebiri, a former aide to Nyesom Wike, the ex-governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, spoke exclusively to The Standard Gazette about the crisis.
Ebiri described Tinubu’s declaration as a “one-sided decision,” accusing the President of showing bias towards Wike.
“It’s quite unfortunate,” Ebiri said. “Going through his address, the President clearly took sides with Wike. Everyone in Nigeria knows the source of this problem. If the President wanted to be decisive, he could have acted earlier. Instead, the document given to the governor to sign was one-sided. This is purely political.”
Ebiri claimed that Wike, whom he once served as a spokesman, is at the heart of the crisis. “Wike wants to control the governor, and all the members of the Assembly are his stooges,” he said. “If the President had reined in Wike, things would have been different.”
The declaration of a state of emergency has effectively halted governance in Rivers State, a region crucial to Nigeria’s oil production.
Tinubu justified the move by citing “disturbing security reports,” including pipeline vandalism by militants and the failure of the state government to address the issue. However, critics argue that the decision is disproportionate and undermines democratic processes.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called the suspension of elected officials “unconstitutional,” while the PDP has accused Tinubu of attempting a “state capture.” Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate, criticised the move on social media, calling it “reckless.”
Ebiri echoed these concerns, warning that the declaration could lead to the erosion of democratic rights. “Declaring a state of emergency implies a lot of things. People’s rights can be breached. Now, governance has come to a halt,” he said.
“You impose a Vice Admiral to govern my state, a man who was not elected by the people and is from another state? This is treating Rivers State like a conquered territory.”
The crisis in Rivers State is part of a larger political struggle between the PDP and Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Fubara, a PDP member, has faced threats of impeachment from lawmakers allegedly loyal to Wike.
Ebiri pointed to a court judgment two weeks ago that declared the seats of defected lawmakers vacant, a decision the state government has agreed to implement. However, the lawmakers have refused to cooperate, further complicating the situation.
“The President has just acknowledged that he is siding with Wike to cripple Rivers State,” Ebiri said. “I was a spokesman to Wike, but I cannot condone this nonsense going on in my state.”
As the crisis unfolds, the people of Rivers State are left in uncertainty. Tinubu’s declaration, intended to restore order, risks deepening divisions and fuelling further unrest. The situation highlights the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and the challenges of balancing federal power with state autonomy.
For now, Rivers State remains a flashpoint in Nigeria’s political landscape, with its future hanging in the balance. As Ebiri put it, “Tinubu and Wike are treating Rivers State like a conquered territory. But the people voted for their governor, and their voice must be heard.”
The nation watches closely, hoping for a resolution that respects democratic principles and restores stability to the oil-rich state. Nigerian military forces, often known for causing pain and suffering wherever they go, have moved into Rivers State, spreading fear among the people.
The political conflict, which is putting lives at risk, has led to widespread anger and destruction. Properties, especially those of government-targeted oil companies, are likely to suffer as the people of Rivers State, feeling threatened by Nyesom Wike and Bola Tinubu, react to the situation.
Tinubu’s desire to secure victory in the 2027 elections should not come at the cost of ruining the lives and future of Rivers State. The well-being of the people must come first.
