The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has ignited a fierce political storm across Nigeria. The move, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s legislature, has drawn mixed reactions from government officials, opposition parties, and legal experts.
Federal Government Defends Action
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has justified the President’s decision, calling it a necessary intervention to prevent an impending implosion in the state. He dismissed claims that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, played a role in the crisis, refuting allegations of his involvement in the events leading up to the emergency declaration.
Fagbemi accused Governor Fubara of undermining democratic processes, including demolishing the House of Assembly, disregarding Supreme Court judgments, and allegedly influencing militants to sabotage oil pipelines. He insisted that the emergency rule was a last resort after multiple attempts at mediation failed.
Opposition Cries Foul
However, the move has been met with strong opposition. The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, condemned the declaration as an attack on democracy. The forum accused President Tinubu of acting in bad faith and questioned his silence on Wike’s alleged role in the crisis.
“The suspension of elected officials under the guise of emergency rule is unconstitutional and unacceptable,” PDPGF stated, aligning itself with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has vowed to challenge the decision in court.
Security Concerns and Military Readiness
Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has strongly supported the President’s decision, emphasizing the need to restore law and order in Rivers State. He warned that any attempt to disrupt government facilities would be met with firm military action.
Matawalle also pointed to rising security threats in the region, citing vandalism of oil pipelines and the broader impact on national revenue. He assured that the military would act decisively to protect critical infrastructure and ensure stability.
Mixed Reactions from Rivers Assembly
While the suspended Rivers State House of Assembly has backed Tinubu’s emergency rule, calling it a necessary measure to restore governance, critics argue that removing an elected governor and legislature sets a dangerous precedent.
Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule stated, “The President acted in the best interest of the country. We will support the sole administrator in steering the state through this period.”
What’s Next?
As Nigeria watches this unfolding drama, the National Assembly is set to deliberate on the President’s move within the next 48 hours. With legal battles looming and political tensions rising, the outcome of this emergency rule will have significant implications for governance and democracy in Nigeria.
Will the National Assembly uphold Tinubu’s decision, or will the opposition successfully challenge it? The coming days will determine the fate of Rivers State and set a precedent for handling political crises in the future.
