The political crisis in Rivers State has escalated significantly following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on Tuesday, a decision swiftly endorsed by the National Assembly.
The move, which suspends Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly members, has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders and opposition figures, raising concerns about the stability of governance in the oil-rich state.
National Assembly Endorses Tinubu’s Move
At separate plenary sessions on Thursday, both chambers of the National Assembly ratified President Tinubu’s proclamation, asserting that the emergency rule was necessary to restore order. Lawmakers cited the ongoing political turmoil, security threats, and governance issues as justification for the drastic measure.
While the ruling party hailed the decision as a proactive step to curb lawlessness, opposition leaders and South-South governors have decried the move, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to democracy.
Fubara Counters Allegations
In his first public reaction since the declaration, Governor Fubara strongly refuted allegations by the Federal Government that he had encouraged militant groups to sabotage oil installations in the state.
He also dismissed claims that he neglected the reconstruction of the state’s demolished House of Assembly complex.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara maintained that his administration was committed to peace, security, and economic stability. He accused Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of stoking ethnic tensions, which allegedly led to the threats from militant groups.
“Our attention has been drawn to a number of allegations claiming that Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, did nothing to dissuade criminal groups and militants from making good their threats to attack oil installations in the state,” the statement read.
Fubara insisted that the crisis was triggered by Wike’s controversial remarks about the Ijaw nation, in which he allegedly dismissed them as a minority group without significant influence in the Nigerian polity.
According to the governor, Ijaw leaders and groups demanded an apology from Wike, which he refused to give, fueling the agitation.
Security and Governance Concerns
The Federal Government has cited security concerns as a major reason for the emergency declaration. President Tinubu accused Fubara of failing to prevent attacks on oil pipelines, thereby endangering national economic interests.
However, Fubara countered that his administration had consistently invested in security measures to safeguard oil infrastructure.
“Since inception as the Chief Executive of Rivers State, Governor Fubara has prioritized investment in upscaling the welfare and operational equipment of all personnel and arms of the Armed Forces and security agencies in the state,” the statement noted.
The governor pointed to his administration’s donation of vehicles, gunboats, and helicopters to security agencies as evidence of his commitment to protecting vital national assets.
He also emphasized that Rivers State had witnessed increased oil production and revenue generation since he took office in May 2023.
Assembly Complex Controversy
The destruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex has been a contentious issue. Critics argue that Fubara’s decision to demolish the facility without prompt reconstruction hindered legislative activities.
However, Fubara defended his action, saying he acted on expert advice due to the building’s structural defects.
“Let it be clarified that the former governor and now FCT Minister repeatedly criticized the dilapidated and leaking Assembly Complex,” the statement said. “During the commissioning of the Assembly Quarters in August 2022, he challenged the lawmakers to take responsibility for the poor state of the edifice.”
According to Fubara, the new Assembly complex is now 80 percent complete, contradicting claims that he neglected legislative needs.
Political and Legal Ramifications
The emergency declaration has sparked widespread debate about its legality and political implications.
Legal experts argue that the President’s decision bypasses constitutional provisions regarding the removal of a sitting governor. Some opposition figures have vowed to challenge the move in court.
Governors from the South-South region have also voiced strong opposition, warning that the decision could set a dangerous precedent for federal interference in state governance.
The situation has further deepened the divide between factions loyal to Fubara and those aligned with Wike, who was instrumental in installing Fubara as his successor but later fell out with him.
What Next for Rivers State?
The political crisis in Rivers State is far from over, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of the power struggle.
With Fubara fighting to clear his name and resist federal intervention, and the National Assembly backing Tinubu’s emergency rule, tensions are expected to escalate further.
Meanwhile, civil society organizations and political analysts have urged both parties to engage in dialogue to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
The Rivers crisis remains a test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and federal structure, with long-term implications for governance in the country.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Rivers State, where the battle for political control is shaping up to be one of the most significant political confrontations in recent Nigerian history.
