Philip Adams
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of its governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers have sparked nationwide outrage. Many critics argue that while banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism ravage parts of Nigeria, the president has turned a blind eye to the suffering of the people. Instead, he appears more focused on consolidating power ahead of the 2027 elections.
This move raises serious constitutional and ethical questions, particularly when juxtaposed with other crises in the country. The 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended, provides clear guidelines on when and how a state of emergency can be declared. According to Section 305, the president may declare a state of emergency in a state only under specific conditions, such as war, public disorder, natural disaster, or when a state’s government is incapable of functioning. However, Rivers State does not currently fit these criteria. Unlike states plagued by insurgency and mass killings, Rivers’ crisis is rooted in a political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The situation in Rivers escalated when thugs allegedly disrupted a legislative session, damaging the state assembly chambers. While this was a grave political disturbance, it did not involve loss of lives or widespread public disorder warranting a state of emergency. Comparatively, states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger, where terrorists and bandits slaughter innocent Nigerians almost daily, remain without such presidential intervention.
Additionally, Tinubu’s suspension of a democratically elected governor contradicts the Nigerian Constitution. Nowhere in the 1999 Constitution is the president empowered to unilaterally remove a sitting governor. The Constitution provides that governors can only be removed through impeachment by the State House of Assembly or in extreme cases of incapacitation as determined by the courts. Tinubu’s action sets a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy and could be used to target political opponents in the future.
The root of the Rivers State crisis lies in the deep-seated rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Wike, now serving as FCT Minister, has been accused of attempting to control the state by using lawmakers loyal to him. These legislators, originally elected under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a move widely seen as an attempt to serve Wike’s interests and strengthen Tinubu’s hold on Rivers State ahead of 2027.
Governor Fubara, in response, declared their seats vacant. However, the Supreme Court recently reinstated the defected lawmakers, a decision that further fueled the crisis. This power struggle has left Rivers State in turmoil, with governance taking a backseat to political maneuvering.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has been accused of running an increasingly high-handed administration, where political opponents are systematically suppressed. While his government has made some strides in security, largely due to the tireless efforts of National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the overall state of the nation has worsened. Millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with economic hardship, rising poverty, and insecurity.
The FCT Minister, Wike, who is widely seen as the mastermind of the Rivers crisis, has been left untouched by the presidency. This selective approach to governance suggests a calculated political strategy rather than a genuine attempt to uphold law and order.
With Tinubu’s increasing grip on power, many Nigerians fear that he is laying the groundwork for an extended stay beyond 2027, even if it means trampling on democracy. His actions in Rivers have raised alarms about the potential for further authoritarian moves in other states.
Nigerians must remain vigilant and resist any attempt to erode the democratic foundations of the country. The days of reckoning are near, and both Tinubu and his political allies, including Wike, will ultimately be held accountable—whether by the people or by divine justice.
As the saying goes, those who ride the tiger should not expect to escape its stomach.
PIONEER NEWS 