The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has ignited a political firestorm, with former PANDEF Publicity Secretary, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, claiming that the move is all about control of the state’s massive revenue and setting the stage for the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Sara-Igbe condemned the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, calling it a direct attack on the people of Rivers. He insisted that the action was unconstitutional, stressing that President Bola Tinubu has no legal authority to remove an elected governor.
A Crisis Orchestrated for Political Gain?
Sara-Igbe accused the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, of being the mastermind behind the crisis, alleging that his recent visit to Rivers with a heavy military presence was designed to create chaos and justify the emergency declaration.
“In Rivers, there’s no war, no unrest, yet the governor is suspended while the real instigator walks free,” he argued. “Wike openly threatened pipeline attacks, and shortly after, pipelines were bombed. Coincidence?”
He also revealed concerns over Fubara’s safety, stating that no one had been able to reach him, fueling fears that the governor was being held against his will.
A Dangerous Precedent for Democracy
The ex-PANDEF spokesman warned that if Rivers’ situation goes unchallenged, other PDP states could face similar takeovers. He criticized Tinubu’s handling of the crisis, saying, “A father should be fair to all his children. Instead, the president is shielding Wike while punishing Fubara.”
He further questioned why Wike, whom he called a “serial troublemaker,” remains in office while a sitting governor is removed. “If Tinubu is sincere, let him sack Wike first. Otherwise, this is nothing but a dictatorship in disguise.”
Rivers’ Wealth at the Heart of the Storm
Sara-Igbe believes the real motive behind the turmoil is Rivers’ vast financial resources. “They couldn’t remove Fubara through impeachment, so they resorted to a military-style coup. It’s all about Rivers’ money.”
