The suspended Commissioner for Youth Development in Rivers State, Chisom Gbali, on Monday alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his associates are plotting to extend the state of emergency in Rivers State.
According to Daily Post, Gbali claimed that Wike and his team aim to create disruptions that would force President Bola Tinubu to prolong the emergency rule in the state.
Tinubu had previously declared a state of emergency in Rivers and suspended Governor Sim Fubara, following intelligence reports that militants were planning attacks on oil installations.
The president also appointed a sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
This emergency was further complicated by a power struggle between Wike and Fubara, which led to issues within the state’s House of Assembly, though the Supreme Court had recently intervened.
During an appearance on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Gbali expressed concerns that the actions of the sole administrator hinted at a deliberate attempt to extend the situation beyond the current six-month period.
He suggested that planned instigations could provoke new issues, which would prompt further presidential intervention.
Gbali criticized the sole administrator for halting several ongoing projects and suspending boards and parastatals, which he felt went against the purpose of restoring peace.
He also pointed out that Wike and his allies, including former local government chairmen, were part of a calculated move to destabilize the state, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
Gbali questioned why Wike was so involved in Rivers’ internal affairs when there are other regions facing more urgent challenges.
