Rivers State Crisis | President Tinubu Points Finger at Fubara, Avoids Mentioning Wike’s Influence

 

In a dramatic escalation of the political turmoil gripping Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency, attributing the crisis solely to Governor Siminalayi Fubara while conspicuously omitting any reference to the role played by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The announcement, made on March 18, 2025, has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, raising questions about impartiality and the underlying motives behind this unprecedented federal intervention in the oil-rich state.

Tinubu’s Declaration: A Response to Chaos or a Political Play?

During a nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu cited a prolonged political crisis and recent security incidents, including pipeline vandalism, as justification for imposing a state of emergency in Rivers State. He suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period, appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s administrator. Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows such measures in times of national danger or public safety threats, framing the decision as a necessary step to restore order and governance.

The president accused Fubara of several governance failures, including the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in December 2023—an action Tinubu described as unjustifiable and a crippling blow to the legislative arm. He also pointed to Fubara’s alleged refusal to rebuild the complex 14 months later and his failure to curb militant activities, such as pipeline vandalism, which Tinubu claimed had escalated in recent days. “The state has been at a standstill since the crisis began, depriving the people of the dividends of democracy,” Tinubu stated, emphasizing that his personal mediation efforts and those of other stakeholders had been ignored.

The Elephant in the Room: Wike’s Unmentioned Role

What stands out starkly in Tinubu’s address is his silence on Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s predecessor and a central figure in the Rivers State political saga. Wike, who governed the state from 2015 to 2023 before handing over to Fubara, has been widely regarded as the architect of the ongoing power struggle. The rift between Wike and Fubara, once political allies, has fueled a bitter feud over control of the state’s political machinery, with Wike’s loyalists—27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC—clashing repeatedly with Fubara’s administration.

Despite this, Tinubu’s speech avoided naming Wike, instead focusing exclusively on Fubara’s actions as the root of the crisis. Critics argue this omission betrays a bias, given Wike’s prominent position in Tinubu’s cabinet and his vocal involvement in Rivers politics. Wike has publicly taunted Fubara, recently stating that the governor was “losing two-nil with more to come,” a comment some interpret as foreshadowing the emergency declaration. The appointment of an administrator answerable to the Federal Executive Council—where Wike holds sway—further fuels speculation of a federal power play favoring the former governor.

Political and Legal Fallout

The Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025, ruling, which Tinubu referenced heavily, declared that Rivers lacked a functional government due to Fubara’s alleged obstruction of the legislature. The court reinstated the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, ordering Fubara to present the 2025 budget to them—a directive he has resisted. Tinubu seized on this, accusing Fubara of unconstitutional acts and governing “as a despot” by collapsing the legislative arm. Yet, the president sidestepped the fact that Wike’s allies in the assembly have been instrumental in escalating tensions, including threats to impeach Fubara.

Reactions to the declaration have been polarized. The pro-Wike faction of the Rivers Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, hailed Tinubu’s move as “the best decision,” blaming Fubara’s “tyrannical actions.” Conversely, the PDP, civil society groups, and prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have condemned it as an assault on democracy, accusing Tinubu of enabling “state capture” to benefit Wike. The Nigerian Bar Association called the suspension of elected officials unconstitutional, while youth groups in the South-South demanded Wike’s removal from office to ensure fairness.

Implications for Rivers and Beyond

The state of emergency places Rivers State under federal control, with Vice Admiral Ibas tasked with stabilizing the region. However, his powers are limited—he cannot enact laws, and all regulations must be approved by the Federal Executive Council, effectively centralizing decision-making in Abuja. This arrangement has sparked fears that Rivers’ autonomy is being eroded, with Wike potentially emerging as the de facto power broker behind the scenes.

For Rivers residents, the crisis threatens to disrupt governance and economic stability in a state critical to Nigeria’s oil industry. The Trans-Niger Pipeline, a key asset reportedly targeted by vandals, underscores the stakes involved. Yet, many question why similar emergency measures have not been applied to northern states battling insurgency, suggesting selective enforcement driven by political expediency.

A Nation Watches

As this saga unfolds, the Rivers crisis tests Nigeria’s democratic resilience. Tinubu’s decision to blame Fubara while shielding Wike has deepened public skepticism about federal neutrality. Whether this intervention restores peace or entrenches a new power dynamic remains to be seen, but for now, Rivers State stands at a crossroads—its fate shaped as much by Abuja’s maneuvers as by its own turbulent politics.