Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, adding that he wanted the removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike argued that the president’s intervention was necessary to prevent the state from descending into chaos.
The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State has sparked a mix of reactions across Nigeria, with many questioning the timing and the potential consequences of suspending the governor, his deputy, and members of the state’s House of Assembly. However, Wike has defended the decision, asserting that it was a move to avert greater political instability in the oil-rich state.
Wike’s comments came during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, where he shared his thoughts on the political crisis that had engulfed Rivers State in recent months. The crisis culminated in the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and other key officials of the Rivers State House of Assembly, following ongoing tensions and unresolved disputes between state lawmakers and the governor’s administration.
The political unrest in Rivers State had been brewing for months, marked by an ongoing tussle between Governor Fubara and members of the state’s House of Assembly. Tensions escalated when the Supreme Court intervened in February, ordering the resumption of the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly and barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing funds to the Rivers State government.
The Supreme Court also ruled in favour of Amaewhule’s House of Assembly, dismissing an appeal by Fubara, who had challenged the validity of the legislature led by Amaewhule. The governor was ordered to re-present the state’s budget to the House, but the political bickering continued, and an impeachment attempt was made against Fubara.
Amid the mounting political deadlock, President Tinubu stepped in, declaring a state of emergency in the state. On July 19, the president suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, citing security concerns and the need to restore order. He also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as the sole administrator of the state.
In his comments, Wike, a prominent political figure from Rivers State, made it clear that while he was not pleased with the imposition of emergency rule, he believed it was the only option to prevent further instability.
“As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers State. I wanted the outright removal of the governor. But for the interest of the state, the president did the right thing to prevent anarchy in the state,” Wike said.
The former governor argued that the situation in Rivers State had reached a boiling point, and Fubara’s leadership had failed to address the crisis effectively. Wike went on to say that despite his personal preference for the governor’s removal, the president’s decision to appoint a sole administrator was the best course of action to save the state from a potential breakdown of law and order.
“However, people must tell the truth. The governor was gone. He was gone, yes… so when people say the president did this, I say they should be praising him. Every morning, they should go to the president and ask, ‘Can we wash your feet for saving us?’” Wike added.
Wike’s support for the emergency rule comes in the wake of a series of political and legal struggles in Rivers State. Despite the legal battles, the intervention by President Tinubu has been seen by some as a necessary measure to stabilize the state, while others have criticized it as an overreach of federal power.
In February, the Supreme Court’s involvement in the Rivers State political saga had already set the stage for the intervention by President Tinubu. The apex court had ordered the resumption of the state legislature under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, after months of suspension by Fubara’s government.
The court also directed the CBN to stop withholding state funds and directed the Rivers State government to present its budget before the legislature. The decision was viewed as a significant blow to Fubara, as it exposed the growing tensions within his administration.
With the political crisis intensifying, the calls for Fubara’s removal became louder, culminating in the state of emergency declared by President Tinubu. This move was seen by many as a way to put an end to the political gridlock and prevent further violence or unrest in the state.
The declaration of emergency rule has sparked divided opinions across Nigeria. While some political observers and citizens have praised President Tinubu for his swift action, others have raised concerns about the potential long-term consequences of suspending a sitting governor and bypassing the elected House of Assembly.
Critics argue that the decision sets a dangerous precedent for federal interference in state politics and undermines the democratic process. There are also fears that the appointment of a sole administrator could lead to increased centralization of power, particularly in a state as politically significant as Rivers.
However, supporters of the president’s decision, including Wike, argue that the situation had become untenable and that emergency rule was the only viable option to restore order. Wike further emphasized that the actions of the president were necessary to protect the people of Rivers from the ongoing political chaos.
While Wike’s comments have drawn attention to the immediate crisis in Rivers State, they also highlight broader political dynamics in the state. Wike, who served as the governor of Rivers for eight years, remains a significant figure in the state’s political landscape.
In his media interaction, Wike stressed that the political situation in Rivers had become a threat to the state’s development, as lawmakers, the governor, and other political actors were more focused on personal and party interests than on the welfare of the people.
He praised President Tinubu for his intervention, saying that the appointment of a sole administrator was a temporary measure to restore peace and order in Rivers State. Wike also hinted that further steps may be taken to address the political crisis once stability is restored.
“Mr president came in and saved the situation, saved Rivers people from that calamity and anarchy,” Wike concluded.
