The Federal Government has allegedly handed control of Rivers State to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, dismantling Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s structures.
Chief Festus Ogwuche, a lawyer, criticized the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), questioning his understanding of constitutional human rights. He argued that President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule contradicts democratic principles and could fuel tensions across states.
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi also condemned the move, calling it a strategy to intimidate governors into supporting Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Speaking to DW Africa, Amaechi claimed the President’s actions have instilled fear in state leaders, warning that any governor who opposes him risks removal.
He dismissed claims that insecurity justified the declaration, arguing that worse crises exist in other regions without emergency rule. Amaechi insisted that security matters fall under the President’s jurisdiction, not the governor’s, making Fubara’s suspension unjust.
Calling the situation a blatant power grab, Amaechi urged Rivers residents to resist the President through democratic protests, emphasizing that the state should not be sacrificed for political maneuvering.