Wike Expresses Discontent Over State of Emergency in Rivers, Calls for Removal of Governor Fubara

ABUJA/Nigeria: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, following President Bola Tinubu’s controversial decision last month. Wike, who served as the governor of Rivers, made his sentiments known during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, emphasizing that the emergency rule was not in line with his preferred outcome amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

“I am not happy with the state of emergency,” Wike stated, adding that he had hoped for the outright removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, instead of the presidential intervention.

The state of emergency was declared by President Tinubu on the grounds of escalating political instability and security concerns in Rivers State, including recent pipeline explosions. The emergency rule led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months. In their place, the president appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as the sole administrator to manage the state’s affairs until the situation is resolved.

While acknowledging the political dimensions of the crisis, Wike defended the president’s decision, stating that it was the right move to prevent further chaos. However, he also clarified that his personal stance was for Fubara’s removal, citing the ongoing political tensions between the two. Wike said, “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.”

The feud between Wike and Fubara has been a significant point of contention in Rivers State politics, stemming from a bitter struggle for control of the state’s political and structural resources. The tensions escalated when 27 suspended members of the state House of Assembly defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening the rift and resulting in a divided assembly, with rival speakers and factions emerging.

Wike’s remarks underscore the high stakes in the political battle within Rivers State, as the power struggle continues to unfold amid legal battles and ongoing disputes.

Source: Emeraldng