Fubara Voices Concern Over Rivers State Political Crisis Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has openly expressed his distress over the current political crisis in the state. His concerns follow the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu, a move that has significantly impacted the state’s governance. Suspension and Leadership Transition As part of the emergency measures, Governor Fubara has been suspended from office for six months. In his place, a sole administrator has been appointed to oversee the state’s affairs. This drastic decision comes amid the escalating power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Addressing Supporters During Sallah Celebration During a Sallah homage at his private residence, Fubara addressed a gathering of Muslim faithful who came to celebrate with him. He acknowledged the difficult situation, stating: “I understand that people might assume I feel deeply troubled by these events, given the circumstances. However, despite everything, we choose to give thanks to the Almighty God.” He emphasized the importance of unity, patience, and avoiding provocation, saying that the goal of his political opponents is to destabilize the state. Call for Peaceful Resolution Fubara urged residents of Rivers State to remain peaceful and not fall into the trap of provocation. He assured them that his administration is committed to ensuring stability and maintaining Rivers State as a model for others in Nigeria. “Their objective is to create chaos and strip people of their means of livelihood, but we will not allow it. We will continue to operate peacefully and uphold the rule of law.” Implications of the Political Crisis The ongoing crisis has raised concerns about governance, security, and economic stability in Rivers State. Analysts suggest that prolonged political unrest could negatively impact the state’s development. Read more about political crisis management in Nigeria. For more updates on Nigerian politics and governance, visit our Politics News Section. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Tinubu’s State of Emergency in Rivers State Condemned by APC Stalwart A leading chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State. He labeled the move as an unconstitutional power grab and an attack on democracy, particularly targeting Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Emergency Declaration Sparks Political Uproar In a statement released in Port Harcourt, Chief Eze accused Tinubu of political bias. He questioned why the President suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly members while leaving out Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, whom he described as the mastermind of the crisis. Eze referenced Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, emphasizing that it does not empower the President to remove an elected governor. “There is no provision in Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution that allows the suspension or removal of a democratically elected Governor. This action sets a dangerous precedent,” Eze stated. He also recalled that former President Goodluck Jonathan, during the 2013 state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, did not remove the sitting governors, as such a step would have been unconstitutional. Oil Revenue vs. National Security: A Political Agenda? The APC chieftain accused Tinubu of prioritizing oil interests over national security, noting that despite ongoing violence from terrorist attacks and herdsmen invasions, no state of emergency had been declared in other crisis-ridden states. “Since Tinubu took office in 2023, thousands of Nigerians have been killed due to insecurity, yet no state of emergency was declared. But at the mere threat to oil facilities, the President acted with unprecedented urgency.” Eze further alleged that Wike’s failure to impeach Governor Fubara using defected lawmakers prompted him to pressure the President into taking unconstitutional steps to remove the governor. Political Manipulation and the Future of Democracy Eze warned that Rivers people would resist any attempt to undermine their democratic rights, asserting that the state of emergency was a ploy to impose Wike’s political influence over the region. “The suspension of Fubara while Wike walks free is a direct attack on democracy. Rivers people will not allow their state to be hijacked by political interests.” Additionally, he reminded Tinubu of his opposition to former President Jonathan’s 2013 emergency rule, in which he labeled such decisions as dangerous governance trends. Calls for Resistance and Legislative Intervention Eze called on the National Assembly, state governors, and other democratic forces to reject the state of emergency, warning that allowing such unconstitutional actions to stand would weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations. External Link: Read more on constitutional provisions regarding state of emergency declarations Conclusion The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has ignited a political firestorm, with Chief Eze leading the opposition against President Tinubu’s controversial decision. As tensions rise, the coming days will determine whether democratic institutions will challenge this move or allow it to set a new precedent in Nigeria’s political landscape. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
