The political turmoil in Rivers State has sparked nationwide debate, with former Minister of Agriculture and elder statesman, Audu Ogbeh, cautioning that replacing Governor Siminalayi Fubara with a former naval chief could send the wrong message—that Nigeria still harbors an appetite for military rule.
Ogbeh voiced his concerns on Channels Television’s Politics Today, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Fubara while retaining the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike—another key player in the crisis—reeks of bias. He argued that a state of emergency should be a last resort and warned of its dangerous implications.
State of Emergency: A Dangerous Precedent
“The use or declaration of states of emergency should be avoided as much as possible. It sets a dangerous precedent. It is never entirely fair and just; it leaves a bitter taste for those affected while emboldening those who feel victorious,” Ogbeh warned.
He recalled past instances under former President Olusegun Obasanjo when states of emergency were declared, emphasizing that while each case was unique, such measures should not become a common tool in governance. He urged the President to explore dialogue and reconciliation before resorting to extreme measures.
“The ethnic tinderbox in Nigeria is easy to inflame. We must tread cautiously to prevent unnecessary conflicts, riots, or even political assassinations,” he added.
The Unfairness of Unequal Consequences
Ogbeh questioned why Governor Fubara, an elected leader, was ousted while Wike, a presidential appointee equally involved in the Rivers crisis, remained untouched.
“If an elected governor is removed, shouldn’t an appointed official also be held accountable? The inconsistency raises questions about fairness and justice,” he said.
He further criticized the recurring pattern of appointing military figures as interim administrators, suggesting it undermines the civilian governance system.
“Why is it that whenever a governor is suspended, a military officer is brought in? Are we implying that civilians cannot govern themselves? This is the wrong message to send,” he asserted.
The elder statesman called for a more inclusive approach, urging the President to form a high-powered reconciliation committee comprising respected elders, women, and youth leaders from Rivers State to mediate the crisis.
“The Niger Delta has fueled Nigeria’s economy for over four decades. No one wants to see it engulfed in flames. This issue is bigger than individuals; we need proactive mediation,” he stressed.
Ogbeh also advocated for transparency in legislative decision-making, suggesting that individual lawmakers’ votes on sensitive matters should be recorded for public accountability.
Time to Rethink Constitutional Provisions
Ogbeh argued that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the President emergency powers, should be reassessed to prevent potential abuse by future administrations.
“If certain constitutional provisions are becoming problematic, we must consider amendments. The National Assembly must engage the public, encourage memoranda submissions, and ensure the law reflects democratic principles,” he suggested.
With Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas now at the helm in Rivers State, Ogbeh urged him to lead with fairness and inclusivity.
“He must listen to all sides, understand the grievances, and ensure justice prevails. The state needs healing, not further division,” he advised.
As the Rivers crisis unfolds, Ogbeh’s insights serve as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s fragile democracy. The question remains: Will the nation uphold democratic ideals or slide back into autocratic tendencies?
PIONEER NEWS 