The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State during the 2023 elections, Tony Cole, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a State of Emergency in the state. Describing the move as a “disgrace” to the people of Rivers, Cole emphasized that it reflected poorly on the state’s political leadership. He called for the resignation of all political leaders from Rivers State, both at the federal and state levels, in response to the decision.
The declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Tinubu came after prolonged political unrest in the region. The governor, Siminilayi Fubara, and the Rivers State House of Assembly have been embroiled in political crises, with attempts to impeach the governor and ongoing tensions between various factions. The federal government’s intervention through the declaration is seen as an attempt to restore stability and peace in the state.
However, Cole, who was the APC’s candidate for governor in the 2023 elections, argued that the decision to impose a state of emergency signals a failure on the part of the state’s political leaders to manage the crisis. In an interview with Channels Television, Cole stated that the situation in Rivers had reached a point where not just the governor, but all political leaders from the state should step down.
“Everybody who is a political actor at the federal level should step down. Everybody who is a political actor at the state level should step down. A very hard decision has to be made by the president on the political side,” Cole said. His remarks reflect deep dissatisfaction with the handling of the political situation in Rivers State, which has seen significant instability in recent months.
Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most important states due to its vast oil resources, has been facing a political crisis for some time. The problems began when Governor Fubara and the state legislature fell into conflict over governance issues, leading to a breakdown in political order. The political tension escalated when impeachment attempts were made against Governor Fubara, creating further division between the governor and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Amid the crisis, President Tinubu intervened by declaring a State of Emergency in the state, which suspended the governor, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly. The federal government’s move aims to restore stability in the state and ensure governance continues without further disruption. Additionally, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State to oversee the administration during the emergency period.
Tony Cole’s criticism of the State of Emergency reflects his frustration with the lack of decisive political actions to resolve the crisis. He argued that the declaration itself was a sign that the political leadership of Rivers State had failed in its responsibilities to the people.
“It is a disgrace to the people of Rivers,” Cole said, referring to the state of emergency. “This is a serious reflection on how poorly we have been governed. The political leadership in the state has failed, and now we are all paying the price.”
Cole further expressed that, while the declaration by President Tinubu was a difficult decision to make, it did not address the underlying political issues. He warned that until the necessary political steps were taken, the crisis would continue. His call for the resignation of all political leaders in the state, including those at the federal level, stems from his belief that the current leadership has failed to provide a solution to the ongoing conflict.
“The president faces a very difficult decision regarding the political situation. Declaring a state of emergency is a hard decision for Fubara and everyone involved, but that doesn’t resolve the crisis. The necessary political steps have not been taken,” Cole explained.
He emphasized that the crisis in Rivers could not be solved without political leaders taking full responsibility for the ongoing turmoil. “There must be accountability. The political actors who are supposed to lead the state and the country must step down to allow for a fresh start and a new direction,” Cole added.
President Tinubu’s decision to declare a State of Emergency in Rivers State followed a period of severe political instability. In addition to impeachment attempts against Governor Fubara, there have been widespread reports of conflicts between various political factions within the state. The federal government’s intervention is seen as necessary to restore order and ensure that governance continues.
Under the State of Emergency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has been appointed as the Sole Administrator for Rivers State. This appointment has effectively suspended the leadership of Governor Fubara and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly, allowing the federal government to oversee governance until normalcy is restored.
The declaration of a State of Emergency is a significant move, as it gives the federal government the authority to manage the state’s affairs directly. The action is seen as a response to the failure of the state’s political leaders to resolve their differences and maintain a stable government.
Tony Cole’s call for the resignation of all political leaders from Rivers State highlights the severity of the situation. His statement calls into question the legitimacy of the current leadership in the state, not just the governor but also other key figures involved in the political crisis. Cole’s remarks reflect a growing frustration among certain sections of the population who feel that the state’s leadership has failed to meet the expectations of the people.
The APC’s position on the issue is significant, as it shows a clear division between political actors in Rivers State. While some members of the APC, including Cole, have openly criticized the current administration and the declaration of the State of Emergency, others may see it as a necessary step to restore order. The situation in Rivers could have broader implications for the state’s political future, particularly as the people of Rivers State continue to grapple with the fallout from the crisis.
The political situation in Rivers State remains uncertain, with the federal government’s intervention likely to continue for the foreseeable future. While the declaration of a State of Emergency is intended to stabilize the state, it is unclear when or how normal governance will be restored. The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator is expected to help oversee the administration, but the question of who will eventually lead Rivers State remains unresolved.
For Tony Cole and other APC leaders in the state, the crisis in Rivers offers an opportunity for reflection and action. Cole’s call for the resignation of all political leaders in the state is an attempt to force a reset, urging a new approach to governance that can break the cycle of political instability. The future of Rivers State will depend on the ability of its political leaders to come together and find lasting solutions to the problems that have plagued the state for so long.
As the situation continues to develop, Rivers State’s political landscape will be closely watched by both national and international observers. How the crisis is resolved will determine the future trajectory of the state and its role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
