Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has spoken out against the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state, attributing the feud between the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to money-sharing disputes. In an interview with DW Africa, Amaechi criticized the imposition of emergency rule in the state by President Bola Tinubu, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to democracy.
Amaechi questioned the legitimacy of the ongoing crisis, emphasizing that Nigerians should demand transparency from both Wike and Fubara. “The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel? Nigerians don’t dislike corruption anymore,” he remarked. He further accused the President of overstepping his constitutional limits, referencing Section 188, which outlines the legal grounds for the removal of a governor, such as death, resignation, or impeachment.
According to The PUNCH reports, The former governor alleged that the political turmoil in Rivers State is part of a broader strategy by Tinubu to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 general election. “Rumors are everywhere that if any governor is not careful, the president will remove you. So the Rivers issue is about sharing money and 2027 politics.” He also criticized Tinubu’s justification for declaring the emergency rule, questioning why similar measures had not been imposed in other regions facing severe security challenges, including the North East and North West.
Amaechi urged the people of Rivers State to resist what he called an unconstitutional takeover of their democratic rights. “We are now denied democracy. Rivers State is the only state in the country currently not enjoying democracy. They have imposed military rule on us,” he said. He called for protests against the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and elected state lawmakers, as well as the appointment of a military administrator, Ibokette Ibas, to oversee the state’s affairs.
The crisis escalated following controversial local government elections marred by legal disputes and party withdrawals. While some factions challenged the legitimacy of the process, others accused the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission of procedural irregularities. This instability prompted Tinubu to intervene, suspending Fubara and appointing an administrator to restore order. You can click the button below for more news.