Political tensions in Rivers State continue to escalate as various groups, including international organizations and local elders, condemn the federal government’s decision to declare a state of emergency. Critics argue that the move is not only unconstitutional but also a targeted political maneuver aimed at undermining Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Two international organizations, the National Union of Ogoni Students International (NUOS INT’L USA) and the Center for Democracy, Human Rights, and Anti-Corruption International (CDHRAC INT’L USA), have strongly opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision, calling it an abuse of power. They insist that Rivers State is not experiencing any crisis severe enough to warrant such an extreme measure.
In a joint statement, the organizations also criticized the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s sole administrator, arguing that such a move undermines democracy. They accused Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike of being the mastermind behind the crisis, alleging that he diverted funds meant for Ogoniland’s development and is now working to destabilize the state government.
“The state is not at war, nor is it facing internal or external threats that justify a state of emergency. This is a political ploy to remove an elected governor,” the statement read.
Similarly, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has voiced its disapproval of the state of emergency, calling it unfair and unconstitutional. The forum, led by its chairman, Rufus Ada-George, also condemned the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers for six months, arguing that the decision disproportionately targets the governor while ignoring Wike’s alleged role in the crisis.
“For Mr. President to suspend Governor Fubara and lawmakers without holding Wike accountable is a clear miscarriage of justice,” the elders stated.
The forum emphasized that Governor Fubara had made multiple attempts to present the state budget but was blocked by lawmakers, making it misleading to portray him as uncooperative. They also referenced past statements by Wike, in which he allegedly incited violence, as further evidence of his involvement in fueling political instability.
Amid these developments, calls for Wike’s suspension have intensified, with many arguing that if Governor Fubara and lawmakers are being sanctioned, Wike should face similar consequences.
“If the governor and legislators are suspended for six months, then Wike must also face a six-month suspension. Anything less is a double standard,” the elders stated.
The elders also expressed concerns for Governor Fubara’s safety, revealing that his whereabouts remain unknown amid the political turmoil.
Several civil society organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have also joined the call for justice. They warned that the federal government’s actions in Rivers State set a dangerous precedent that could be used to undermine democracy in other states.
“A threat to one part of Nigeria today may become a reality elsewhere tomorrow. Nigerians must resist any form of political oppression,” the Rivers Elders Forum stated.
