PDP Chieftain Ewenla Condemns State of Emergency in Rivers

By Ifeoma Ikem

Prince (Dr.) Adedipe Ewenla, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has criticized President Bola Tinubu over his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He described the move as a total disregard for Rivers people, an attack on PDP, and a serious embarrassment to Nigeria as a democratic nation.

Background of the Crisis in Rivers

It would be recalled that Rivers has been embroiled in a festering political crisis, revolving around a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The crisis escalated due to political realignments within the state legislature and disagreements over governance, leading to violent clashes, destruction of property, and threats of impeachment.

The political turmoil drew national attention, with concerns over law and order in the oil-rich state. While President Tinubu initially called for political actors to respect court rulings and embrace dialogue, he has now taken the drastic step of imposing a state of emergency, citing worsening security concerns.

Ewenla’s Condemnation of State of Emergency

Amb. Ewenla, in his reaction, condemned the decision, arguing that the imposition of emergency rule is undemocratic and a direct attack on PDP, the ruling party in Rivers. He asserted that the move was an abuse of federal power aimed at suppressing opposition-led states.

According to Ewenla, the crisis should have been resolved through legal and constitutional means rather than the suspension of democratic governance. He warned that using emergency rule as a political weapon could destabilize Nigeria’s democracy and set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.

Call for Reversal and Respect for Democracy

Ewenla called on President Tinubu to immediately reverse the declaration and allow Rivers handle its internal matters through democratic processes. He urged PDP leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to resist any external interference that undermines the state’s autonomy.

The PDP chieftain also expressed concerns that the emergency declaration would damage Nigeria’s international reputation and discourage investors, given that Rivers is one of the country’s key economic hubs.

The state of emergency in Rivers State marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s political landscape. While the federal government justifies the decision as a security measure, opposition voices like Prince Ewenla argue that it undermines democracy. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether political dialogue or federal intervention shapes the future of governance in Rivers State.

Rivers in Turmoil: Fubara Rallies Supporters After Tinubu Declares State of Emergency

The political storm in Rivers State has escalated to unprecedented levels as Governor Siminalayi Fubara urges the people to remain calm and law-abiding following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state. The move, which has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape, has effectively sidelined Fubara’s administration, paving the way for the appointment of former Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

Despite the drastic turn of events, Fubara, in a passionate address to the people of Rivers, reaffirmed his commitment to constitutional governance and accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of sabotaging peace efforts.

“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else,” the embattled governor declared.

A Political Battlefield: Fubara vs. Rivers Assembly

The crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for months, with intense political battles between Fubara and factions within the state legislature. The power struggle reached a boiling point with impeachment threats against Fubara, defiant court rulings, and open rebellion from lawmakers allegedly backed by powerful political interests.

Fubara insists that his government complied with all peace agreements brokered by the presidency, including reinstating resigned commissioners and implementing a Supreme Court judgment. Yet, he claims that certain lawmakers deliberately blocked efforts to restore stability, making governance nearly impossible.

Tinubu’s Drastic Move: Rivers Under Federal Control

The state of emergency declared by President Tinubu marks a historic intervention in Rivers politics, effectively stripping the elected governor of his powers and placing the state under federal control. The suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly raises legal and constitutional concerns, with analysts debating whether Tinubu’s action is a necessary intervention or an overreach of executive power.

Fubara, however, remains defiant, assuring Rivers people that his administration had kept the state safe, secure, and functioning despite the political turbulence.

“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance has continued. Salaries have been paid, great projects are being executed, and above all, Rivers State remains peaceful under our watch,” Fubara declared.

What’s Next? Legal, Political, and Public Reactions

The declaration of a state of emergency has set the stage for a political and legal showdown. Will Fubara challenge his suspension? How will Rivers’ political stakeholders, opposition parties, and civil society groups respond to Tinubu’s intervention?

For now, the fate of Rivers State lies in uncertain waters, as its people wait to see whether Tinubu’s move will bring order or further escalate tensions in Nigeria’s most politically volatile state.

Emergency Rule in Rivers: Tinubu Moves to Restore Order or Seize Control?

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the need to restore law and order amid escalating political turmoil. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

President Tinubu announced the nomination of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Rivers State Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state. Within hours of the announcement, military personnel took over the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt, with sources confirming the presence of armed soldiers and an Armored Personnel Carrier stationed at the entrance.

Tension in Port Harcourt

Following the emergency declaration, anxiety gripped the state capital, Port Harcourt. Residents rushed home as news of the situation spread, while others gathered on streets to discuss the unfolding events. Witnesses reported an increased military presence, with government officials remaining tight-lipped on the specifics of the transition process.

Tinubu Justifies Action

In his address, Tinubu stated that the political crisis in Rivers State had defied all attempts at resolution, stalling development and depriving residents of good governance. He cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for the emergency declaration, emphasizing that the move was necessary to restore stability.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” Tinubu clarified. He assured that the newly appointed administrator would focus on governance rather than legislation, with any necessary regulations subject to Federal Executive Council approval.

The decision followed an emergency security meeting at Aso Rock, convened after twin explosions rocked oil pipelines in the state. The meeting included key security figures, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and top government officials.

Fubara Responds, Calls for Calm

Governor Fubara, in a statement, urged Rivers residents to remain calm and law-abiding. He blamed political adversaries for frustrating his attempts to comply with a recent Supreme Court ruling. “Since assuming office, all my actions have been guided by the Constitution and a commitment to peace,” Fubara said. He accused members of the state assembly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike of undermining his efforts to govern effectively.

Pipeline Explosions Heighten Tensions

Security concerns escalated after two explosions were reported at key oil installations in Rivers State within 24 hours. The first incident occurred at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, while the second blast hit a pipeline manifold in Omwawriwa, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA. The Rivers State Police Command confirmed arrests related to the incidents and launched an investigation into possible sabotage.

Some sources linked the blasts to threats from militant groups opposing the political crisis, raising fears of renewed instability in the Niger Delta. The police, however, assured the public that measures were in place to prevent further disruptions.

Political Fallout and Supreme Court Rulings

The crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for months, with a long-standing rift between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike. The state assembly had earlier moved to impeach Fubara, a process that intensified following a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The apex court ordered the suspension of state government financial allocations until a lawful budget was passed under Speaker Martin Amaewhule’s leadership.

NBA, Opposition, and PANDEF Condemn Suspension

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) criticized Tinubu’s declaration, arguing that the Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally suspend a governor or elected lawmakers. “A declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments,” NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) stated.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the move, describing it as “an assault on democracy.” He accused Tinubu of failing to prevent the political crisis from escalating and warned that the intervention could destabilize the region.

Similarly, the PDP rejected the state of emergency, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to forcefully take control of Rivers State. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated, “The action of Mr. President borders on an attempt at state capture and a deliberate plan to subvert democracy in Rivers State.”

The Ijaw National Congress and Ijaw Youth Council warned against any attempt to remove Governor Fubara, asserting that such actions could lead to unrest in the Niger Delta and disrupt oil production.

National Assembly’s Role and Next Steps

Under Nigerian law, the National Assembly must approve the declaration of a state of emergency within 10 days. The decision is expected to face intense debate, with opposition lawmakers and civil society groups already mobilizing against the measure.

In the meantime, all eyes are on Rivers State as tensions rise amid uncertainty over the political future of the state. Security agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent further unrest, while the Federal Government insists that the emergency intervention is necessary to restore stability and governance.

More updates will follow as the situation unfolds.