By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
RIVERS STATE suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has strongly criticised the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state, calling it an “unfortunate” and “unwarranted” intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
The governor’s reaction comes a day after the federal government suspended him, his deputy, and the state legislature, citing security concerns and political instability.
In a televised address to the people of Rivers State on Tuesday evening, Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to democracy, stating that his administration had prioritised peace and stability despite the ongoing political crisis.
“I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history,” he said.
“Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty. We prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.”
Fubara insisted that his government had taken every necessary step to maintain order, including implementing the Supreme Court’s directives to reinstate commissioners who had resigned and present the state budget to the legislature.
“These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity, and stability in our dear State,” he added.
However, he alleged that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, particularly those loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, had consistently frustrated his attempts to restore normalcy.
The crisis in Rivers State has deepened over the past few months, with tensions escalating between Fubara and Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The fallout led to a division within the state legislature, with one faction supporting Wike and another backing Fubara.
On Monday, the pro-Wike faction of the legislature, initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, escalating tensions further.
Hours later, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending the governor, deputy governor, and all state lawmakers for an initial period of six months.
The President justified the move by citing “disturbing security reports,” including increased pipeline vandalism by militants, which he alleged Fubara’s administration had failed to curb.
Tinubu also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the military administrator of Rivers State, tasked with restoring stability.
Defence Minister Justifies State of Emergency
Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has defended President Tinubu’s decision, stating that it was necessary to prevent further deterioration of security in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Iyogun Sunday, Matawalle stressed that the federal government had to act swiftly to protect critical infrastructure and prevent the breakdown of law and order.
“In light of the current situation, the Nigerian Military is on high alert to safeguard government infrastructure and ensure the security of the citizens,” the statement read. “
Matawalle warned that any attempts to attack government facilities or disrupt public order will be met with a resolute response from security forces.”
He pointed to the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex as a sign of worsening governance in the state, arguing that the absence of a functioning legislature for over fourteen months had contributed to the crisis.
“The unfortunate demolition of the House of Assembly by the state governor left the state without a legislative arm, thereby paralysing governance.
“The Supreme Court recently reaffirmed the necessity of a functioning legislature and condemned the governor’s actions as unconstitutional,” Matawalle stated.
The minister also referenced reports of renewed militant activities, including the vandalisation of oil pipelines, which he said posed a direct threat to Nigeria’s economic stability.
He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace in Rivers State and ensuring the safety of all residents.
Despite the FG’s firm stance, Fubara urged Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that democracy would prevail.
“Yes, we have political disagreements, but governance has continued. Salaries have been paid, and great projects are being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful under our watch,” Fubara stated.
Meanwhile at the national level, the state of emergency has sparked debates among political analysts and civil rights groups, with some questioning its necessity and others supporting the FG’s intervention.
