The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDPGF) has vowed to challenge the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other elected officials of the state in court. 

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in Rivers, suspending the governor, his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the PDP governors asked the President to accept that he had made a mistake and reverse the decision.

The forum accused the President of bias, noting his failure to acknowledge the role played by his Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in fueling the political crisis in Rivers.

Part of the statement said, “We stand in solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state’s political history. There is no other time that our philosophy of ‘TOUCH ONE TOUCH ALL’ is more apt than now.

“He who goes to the court of equity must go with clean hands. Mr. President , your silence on the active role played by your Minister of the FCT in the Rivers impasse is golden and enabling. He has become a law unto himself because he was playing out your script. Now we know. This is totally unstatemanly, biased, and divisive.

“We state categorically that this unwarranted but premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party and other opposition parties is today, the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country.

“Nigeria and it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good. It is a dangerous course of action that will not only endanger our hard won democracy, but will exacerbate the crises in the nation, deepen mistrust, elevate security threats, destroy the economy, and our national cohesion and stability.”

The Governors also said ” The Forum completely aligns itself with the position of the NBA and promises to subject Section 305 (3) of the Constitution to judicial interpretation. This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand.

“Mr President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grevious mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late.”

[DailyTrust]

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, said President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in River State was timely and meant to avert an implosion in the state.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stated this while briefing State House Correspondents at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

“We have about two years into the administration in the state.

“Now, when do you think he (President Tinubu) should have come in? Is it when everything has been destroyed? I don’t think so.

“I think the President has acted timeously. He has given the opportunity to all the parties involved to make amends. Before then, he had to assemble them, and he had tried to mediate,” he stated.

Tinubu had on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

In a national broadcast, Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the extraordinary measure.

The crisis, which had paralysed governance in the oil-rich state, stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

As part of the directive, the President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored. Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tinubu announced, “In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State has failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025 and I so do.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”

[Punch]

The senate has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged encroachment on Nigeria’s territory.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the committee’s composition during plenary on Tuesday after most senators supported it through voice votes.

The committee is expected to report back to the senate within two months with recommendations.

The committee is to be headed by Jimoh Ibrahim, senator representing Ondo south. Members are Seriake Dickson, Bayelsa west senator, and Ipalibo Banigo, senator representing Rivers west.

Others are Adeniyi Adegbonmire, senator representing Ondo central; Shehu Kaka, senator representing Borno central; Agom Jarigbe, Cross River central senator; and Ekong Samson, senator representing Akwa Ibom south.

Aniekan Bassey, senator representing Akwa Ibom north-west, who sponsored the motion, is also a member of the committee.

The motion was titled: ‘Illegal annexation of Nigerian mangrove islands, waters, and its crude oil by the republic of Cameroon’.

Bassey, in his motion brought under orders 41 and 51 of senate standing rules, said the areas annexed were not part of the territory ceded to Cameroon.

He said the encroachment has led to the loss of over 2,560 oil wells and gas revenues. 

“It is an affront on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s economic resources,” he said.

“The illegal occupation of these villages and waters by Cameroon contravenes the ICJ ruling, the 1913 Anglo-German treaties, and sections of the Nigerian Constitution.

“This is a direct assault on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and an unlawful exploitation of our economic resources.”

Contributing to the motion, Ibrahim said Nigeria must report the issue to the United Nations.

“The senate cannot keep quiet when there’s a threat to the sovereignty of our country,” he said.

“There is a violation of our territorial rights, and this can cause environmental disaster and reduce national revenue.”

Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central, said Nigeria should enforce the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the mangrove islands.

He added that Nigeria cannot be a beneficiary of the judgment and not enforce it.

“Let us act fast and recover our territory with over 2,000 oil wells,” he said.

Other lawmakers who spoke on the motion were Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president; Abdul Ningi, Bauchi central senator; and Asuquo Ekpenyong, senator representing Cross River south.

The committee is expected to engage with key stakeholders, including the National Boundary Commission (NBC), the ministry of foreign affairs, and security agencies.

Residents of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states have expressed deep concern over the recent hikes in electricity and telecommunication tariffs, urging the government, service providers, and relevant authorities to urgently review and reduce the rates.

The consumers expressed disappointment over persistent poor service delivery despite the increased costs, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

A civil servant in Sokoto, Malam Isma’ila Umar, described the tariff hike as a source of punishment, adding that middle-income earners can no longer afford basic needs due to rising expenses.

He stressed that electricity and telecommunication services are essential, making the additional costs an unbearable burden. Umar urged the government to take immediate steps to alleviate the hardship faced by citizens.

A community activist, Mr. Sanusi Sarki, lamented the sharp rise in data costs, revealing his monthly data expenses increased from N6,000 monthly to N28,000 despite unreliable service.

Journalist Suleiman Nasir decried the poor network quality amid rising telecom tariffs stating his usual N3,000 plan now costs N9,000, yet remains unreliable.

He cited areas in the Sokoto metropolis, including Dambua, Offa Road, and Old Airport Road, where residents barely receive 12 hours of electricity daily. Many, he said, have resorted to using generators to meet their power needs. Nasir called on NCC, NERC, and KEDCO to reverse the tariff hikes, provide prepaid meters, and ensure fair billing.

More insight

The Commissioner for Energy and Petroleum Resources, Alhaji Sanusi Ibrahim, urged KEDCO to improve the power supply, stating that residents should not be made to pay for darkness.

• He advised NERC and KEDCO to engage stakeholders before implementing any tariff increase and focus on better service delivery to boost revenue.

In Gusau, Zamfara state, data and airtime vendor Sufuyanu Dahiru called for urgent action to reverse the tariff hikes and enhance service quality, noting that the current cost does not reflect the poor services rendered.

• In Birnin Kebbi, Garba Dalhatu, a Mass Communication student at Umaru Waziri Federal Polytechnic, described the rising cost of living as overwhelming, especially for students. He said many are struggling to pay tuition, buy food, and cover electricity and data expenses.
• Ibrahim Ahmad, a businessman in Argungu, noted that high data costs and poor telecom services are undermining the government’s cashless policy and hurting businesses.

He added that epileptic power supply, combined with high electricity tariffs and fuel prices, has forced many rice millers out of business, worsening economic conditions in the region.

[Nairametrics]

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vacated the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Naija News gathered that the governor reportedly moved out on Wednesday morning, ahead of the anticipated arrival of Admiral Ekwe Ibas (rtd), who has been appointed as the new Sole Administrator of the state.

A visit by Daily Trust to the Government House on Wednesday morning revealed a calm atmosphere, with at least three armoured personnel carriers stationed at the main entrance.

A security source confirmed that there had been a change of guard at the seat of power, with all of the governor’s security details replaced.

“The governor left Government House this morning and the new administrator is yet to resume. We are expecting him any moment from now. The security details in Government House have been reshuffled. I can tell you that everywhere is calm and nothing is happening as we speak now,” the source said.

Rivers govt house

Meanwhile, residents of Port Harcourt have gone about their normal business, and there have been no signs of a breakdown of law and order.

This development follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing the ongoing vandalization of pipelines and the failure of political stakeholders to resolve the crisis despite previous interventions.

[NaijaNews]

Your Ladyship,

I write this letter with profound sadness, my heart weighed down by the state of our judiciary. My hands shake—not from fear, but from the deep sorrow of witnessing what should be the last refuge of justice being turned into a tool for political manipulation. Madam Chief Justice, you are the steward of our judiciary, a symbol of integrity, and a model for legal excellence—yet under your watch, justice appears to be slipping away, leaving confusion, hardship, and despair in its wake.

This is not just a matter of legal technicalities—it is about real people, real lives, and the survival of an entire state. Children will go to bed hungry, not because their parents are lazy, but because their state has been deliberately strangled. The sick will be left without medicine, lying in pain on hospital beds, because political power plays have cut off critical funding. Workers, who have spent years serving the people, will soon cry out in anguish as their salaries are left unpaid, their families staring at an uncertain future.

I think of the market woman, who rises before dawn to ensure her children do not starve, only to find that the government she relies on is being torn apart. I think of the young graduates, full of dreams, only to realize that their future is being traded away for political interests. I think of the elderly, who have given their lives to this nation, now watching it descend into disorder, as lawlessness and political interference overshadow fairness and the rule of law.

Madam Chief Justice, we all know that judicial rulings are not always free from political influence. You have been part of this system for decades—you have seen how the judiciary is sometimes used for purposes beyond justice. But even if what happened under these five justices cannot be undone, I ask you to reflect in private, away from the pressures of politics, and ask yourself: Was this truly fair? Was this truly just? Is this the mark you want to leave on history?

And most critically, what happens now to the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, which is still actively handling this case? The matter has not been dismissed. The court is still in session. But now, the judges there sit in utter confusion, caught between fulfilling their legal duty and the overwhelming shadow of a Supreme Court ruling that came too soon.

Madam Chief Justice, what direction are they to take? Do they abandon their role? Do they ignore the case before them? Do they yield to pressure? Or do they uphold the Constitution as they swore to do?

You hold the power to guide this situation toward justice. You hold the power to preserve the integrity of the courts

Madam Chief Justice, I cry for Rivers State. I cry for Nigeria.

A Judiciary in Disarray—Confusion in the Lower Courts

Madam Chief Justice, if you remain silent, history will remember.

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had set April 16, 2025, to rule on the defection case. The law was clear, the judicial process was in motion, and due process was being followed. Yet, before the court could speak, before justice could take its rightful course, five Supreme Court justices—Justice Uwani Musa Abba-Aji (Presiding), Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, Justice Ibrahim Mohammed Musa Saulawa, Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, and Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur—ignored judicial boundaries, disregarded the ongoing legal process, and rushed in to deliver a ruling that has now left the Federal High Court in complete confusion.

My Lord, what was the rush? Who was pursuing them? Why did they not allow the Rivers court to reach its decision? Now, the Federal High Court is left in disarray, uncertain whether to proceed, abandon its own ruling, or bow to an already delivered judgment.

Justice is meant to be orderly, structured, and impartial—so why create chaos where there should have been clarity? Why throw the judiciary into turmoil instead of letting the law take its natural course?

What happens now? What do the judges in Port Harcourt tell the people? Do they bow in shame, knowing that their authority has been stolen? Do they throw away their own ruling because the Supreme Court has spoken before them? How does the judiciary justify this?

Madam Chief Justice, I beg you, with everything that is left of the rule of law, do not let this stand. The Constitution is clear—once lawmakers defect, they lose their seats automatically. This is not politics. This is not opinion. This is law. So why, then, has the Supreme Court chosen to ignore it?

Why has it chosen to breathe life into political lawlessness?

The Judiciary’s Role in Rivers State’s Collapse

And now, look at the results of this judicial blunder.

Governor Fubara—a man elected by the people—is suddenly being dragged into a battle for his survival. The same lawmakers who should be working for their state have abandoned their duty. They are not in the Assembly. They have gone on indefinite leave. They refuse to work. But the Supreme Court ordered Fubara to present a budget. How? To whom?

And now, because they refuse to sit, because they refuse to listen, because they refuse to fulfill their constitutional duty, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been ordered not to release state allocations.

Madam Chief Justice, do you see what this means?

It means that children will no longer receive free education because schools will shut down. It means that state workers will not be paid. It means that hospitals will run out of medicine. It means that pensioners who have already been struggling will have nothing left to survive on.

It means that Rivers State is now in a slow, painful process of economic strangulation.

Political Desperation—The Darkest Path

And what happens when people can no longer eat?

What happens when mothers watch their babies cry in hunger?

What happens when fathers who have worked all their lives realize their salaries will no longer come?

What happens when the sick lie helpless in hospitals with no medicine, no doctors, and no way to survive?

I will tell you what happens.

Chaos. Protest. Desperation. And, God forbid, bloodshed.

And when that day comes, when the streets of Rivers State erupt, when innocent people start dying, when angry youths pick up stones and march against oppression, who will history hold responsible?

Madam Chief Justice, the time to act is now.

The Supreme Court’s Name in the Mud

The actions of these five justices violate the principles outlined in the International Judicial Accountability Principles (IJAP) and the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) guidelines. These frameworks emphasize judicial restraint, especially when a matter is actively before another court.

By bypassing the ongoing proceedings, the Supreme Court has undermined the integrity of the judicial process and public trust in legal institutions (THISDAYLIVE).

A Call for a Review—The Law Must Speak Again

The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has called for a review of the Supreme Court’s judgment, highlighting concerns about its lack of alignment with previous judicial decisions and constitutional provisions (THISDAYLIVE).

Madam Chief Justice, you can stop this.

You can stand for truth, not politics.

You can correct this injustice, before Rivers State is plunged into irreversible chaos.

I do not ask you to interfere in the pending case in Port Harcourt.

I do not ask you to take sides in politics.

I ask you to do what is right.

I ask you to let the law prevail.

I ask you to not let history remember your name for this miscarriage of justice.

I ask you to be the voice of the voiceless, the protector of the people, the defender of democracy.

Save Rivers State. Save the Judiciary. Save Nigeria.

Madam Chief Justice, you have the power to change this.

If you choose to remain silent,

If you watch Rivers State collapse,

If you turn away while the people suffer,

Then history will not be kind.

Madam Chief Justice, save your name. Save the judiciary. Save the people. Save Nigeria.

If the courts cannot stand for justice, who will?

I write this in tears. I write this in grief. I write this as a citizen who still believes in the power of truth.

Do not let the law die. Do not let the people suffer. Do not let Nigeria bleed. 

Your Excellencies,

Nigeria finds itself in yet another avoidable crisis, this time centered around Rivers State, a region vital to the country’s economic and political landscape. To his credit, President Bola Tinubu stepped in at a moment when tensions were escalating dangerously, with political discord threatening to spill over into full-scale unrest. Given the volatility of the situation, his decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers—suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers—may have been driven by the need to prevent an immediate breakdown of law and order. However, while this intervention may have temporarily calmed rising tensions, it has also deepened national anxiety and raised serious questions about the federal government’s role in the crisis.

Officially, the justification for this action is security concerns and pipeline vandalism, but the Nigerian people are not deceived. While the security of vital infrastructure is an important national concern, the core of the Rivers crisis is not merely about lawlessness or economic sabotage—it is a battle for political control, one that has been intensifying since Minister Nyesom Wike refused to relinquish his grip on the state he once governed. The silence of the federal government regarding Wike’s disruptive influence, paired with the forceful sidelining of Fubara, has sent a troubling message: powerful political figures are protected at all costs, while elected leaders who refuse to bow are removed under the guise of stability.

The Burden of Public Perception and the Shadow of One Man

Mr. President, except for the Speaker of the House, you, Senate President Akpabio, and Minister Wike have openly positioned yourselves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This is not a whispered conspiracy or a baseless accusation; it is the painful public perception, one that has deeply settled in the minds of Nigerians. It is what people see, what they feel, and what they are struggling to understand.

Even in your emergency address, a moment that could have reassured Nigerians and reinforced balance in governance, you placed the weight of responsibility on this quiet, cool-headed governor, a man who—by all indications—has tried to steady the ship amid the turbulent storm that surrounds him.

Not once. Not once did you directly or indirectly acknowledge the root of the crisis—Wike.

What Exactly Does Wike Have On You?

Sir, let’s be real, a therapeutic question must be asked because Nigerians are asking it already:

What does Wike have on you all?

Mr. President, again—what exactly does Wike have on you? This is not a rhetorical question, sir. Nigerians are perplexed, confused, even entertained at this point because no man should be this politically untouchable unless he holds something deeper than we can see.

Is it God, juju, or secrets buried too deep to reveal? Because, let’s be honest, no man can consume you—unless you allow him to. But right now, the message being sent is louder than any press statement or emergency declaration:

You can hit Fubara, but you won’t touch Wike.

This has become more than a leadership issue—it is now a test of your authority. And the message it sends? That one man sits above even you, Mr. President.

The People Are Watching—Hit Him or Prove You Are Under Him

Nigerians are watching, and they are speaking loudly:

“Deal with Wike, unless he has something on you. And even if he does, for God’s sake, hit him one way or another for balance.”

You came into power as a man who takes bold action, who moves without fear—so why does it seem that Wike is an exception to that rule?

If you can hit Fubara, suspend lawmakers, and declare an emergency, then for balance, hit Wike. Prove you are not under his influence. Prove that no man holds sway over you.

Because, Mr. President, if you continue to punish one man while shielding the other, then Nigerians will conclude the truth for themselves: Wike is bigger than the presidency.

And that, sir, is not an image of strength—it is an image of submission.

A Dangerous Precedent That Demands Urgent Correction

At a time when Nigeria should be strengthening its democratic institutions, ensuring that elected officials are protected from undue political interference, and reinforcing the autonomy of state governments, this crisis has instead revealed a deep contradiction in how power is managed.

The people of Rivers—and indeed, Nigerians as a whole—are watching closely. The perception growing across the nation is that this state of emergency was never about protecting Rivers—it was about protecting Wike’s influence.

And this is a dangerous precedent—one that must be urgently corrected with balanced leadership.

If the government’s true aim is fairness and stability, then justice must be applied equally.

If Governor Fubara is to be reprimanded, then Wike must not walk untouched.

Mr. President, hit Wike the way you hit Fubara—or prove to Nigerians that you are under his control. The choice is yours, but the people have already made up their minds.

MILITARY OCCUPATION: A TEMPORARY FIX WITH LASTING CONSEQUENCES

Yes, military occupation under this state of emergency is meant to last six months. Even if extended, one reality remains unchanged: Governor Fubara was elected by the people. And since your declaration, Nigerians have been murmuring, “There Tinubu goes again, helping Wike.” They recall that every time you have intervened in the Rivers crisis, your actions have tilted in favor of Wike, sidelining Fubara. Now, this emergency declaration follows the same pattern—excusing Wike’s excesses while shifting the weight of responsibility elsewhere.

But let’s be realistic. Even with an extended military presence, you cannot control or possibly stop everyone. The population of Rivers State runs in millions, and their growing frustration cannot be silenced by force. Port Harcourt alone is home to millions, many of whom remain loyal to their elected governor. Military occupation may give a temporary sense of control, but it will not erase the people’s will.

History has repeatedly demonstrated that when people feel oppressed, they resist. The psychological burden of political suppression breeds resentment, anger, and, ultimately, defiance. Your administration must understand that governing through force is unsustainable. You cannot rule by intimidation—only by justice, fairness, and respect for democratic choice.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA OF GOVERNANCE BETRAYAL

Leadership extends beyond policies and strategies; it is built on trust, perception, and the emotional state of the people you govern. Right now, the people of Rivers State feel deeply betrayed. This is not just politics—it is psychological trauma on a collective scale.

When people elect a leader, they are not just voting for governance; they are investing their hopes, struggles, and aspirations in someone they believe represents them. The forced sidelining of Fubara is not just a political maneuver—it is an act of disenfranchisement, a direct insult to the very people who voted for him. It sends a chilling message that their voices, choices, and votes are disposable.

The consequence? Mass frustration, suppressed anger, and a growing distrust in the federal government. Nigerians are not naïve. They have watched how this administration has handled Wike—with favor, protection, and indulgence—while Fubara has been repeatedly undermined, isolated, and now forcefully removed. The people see the injustice, and their response will not be silence.

MILITARY FORCE CANNOT HEAL A POLITICAL WOUND

History is filled with lessons about the futility of military intervention in political matters. The use of security forces in Rivers State may create an illusion of control, but even if military presence is extended indefinitely, it will not fix the root cause of the crisis.

Rivers is a state of millions, with Port Harcourt as a political and economic nerve center. The idea that military occupation will pacify an entire population is both unrealistic and dangerous. You can send armed forces to patrol the streets, but you cannot suppress thoughts, emotions, and resistance indefinitely.

When a people feel unheard, they do not simply fade away. They adapt. They resist. They find new ways to express their frustration—through civil disobedience, economic disruption, or prolonged defiance. Right now, the people of Rivers are watching. They are recording. They are remembering. Every unjust act against their elected governor deepens their resentment and fuels a crisis that force alone cannot resolve.

Be warned—Rivers and the entire Niger Delta are watching. The people are not blind to injustice, and even if the military remains stationed in Rivers indefinitely, they cannot consume or silence everyone.

A political wound cannot be healed with military boots. Justice is the only cure.

THE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF FEDERAL MISMANAGEMENT

Rivers State is not just a political entity—it is a national economic asset. It is one of Nigeria’s largest oil-producing states, generating billions of dollars in revenue. Any instability in the region is not just a Rivers problem; it is a Nigerian problem.

Already, global oil markets are taking note of the crisis. Investors are growing concerned that continued unrest will lead to reduced oil production, sabotage of energy infrastructure, and instability in business operations.

If this crisis spirals further, Nigeria will experience:

Declining oil production as local communities begin to withdraw cooperation.

Increased energy infrastructure attacks, as seen in past grievances with the Niger Delta region.

Loss of investor confidence, leading to capital flight and economic downturn.

Greater economic hardship for ordinary Nigerians, as revenue from Rivers begins to drop.

A government that truly values national stability must understand that you cannot undermine the leadership of an oil-rich state and expect economic peace. The Nigerian economy cannot afford another prolonged crisis in an oil-producing region.

THE INCONSISTENCY OF PRESIDENTIAL INTERVENTIONS: WHY FUBARA, NOT WIKE?

One of the most glaring contradictions in this entire situation is the selective intervention of the presidency.

Why is Governor Fubara, an elected leader, being treated as the problem, while Minister Wike, the source of the instability, remains untouched, unchecked, and unaccountable?

Why has President Tinubu not once publicly criticized Wike for his disruptive role in Rivers governance? Why has the Senate President remained silent on the one person fueling division in Rivers State?

Nigerians are watching, and they are asking difficult questions. If this is about restoring order, why does Wike remain free to operate? Why does it seem as though this entire situation is being engineered to weaken Fubara while empowering Wike?

REBUKING WIKE—A NECESSARY STEP FOR BALANCE

Mr. President, even if for nothing else but psychological balance, rebuke Wike. Even superficially. Speak to him publicly. Condemn his role, even symbolically. Let the people of Rivers State see that their grievances are being acknowledged.

The psychological damage of selective justice is real. The people of Rivers need to hear you say Wike’s name—not in praise, not in justification, but in acknowledgment of his disruptive role.

If Wike is not held accountable, the people will see this administration as complicit in the crisis, rather than a neutral force trying to resolve it.

Even those who may support your administration are questioning the selective silence. This is a moment that requires strategic leadership, and sometimes, a few words can be more powerful than military action.

THE URGENT CALL FOR ACTION

Public self-reflection from President Tinubu, indirectly acknowledging the concerns of favoritism while reaffirming his commitment to impartial governance.

A public rebuke of Minister Wike—even if symbolic—to signal fairness to the people of Rivers.

Immediate reduction of Minister Wike’s influence over Rivers State’s affairs to restore the authority of the elected governor.

A shift from military intervention to political reconciliation, ensuring that this crisis is resolved through governance, not force.

A commitment from the National Assembly to uphold institutional independence, preventing political interference in state-level leadership.

FINAL WORDS: CHOOSING JUSTICE OVER POLITICAL ALLIANCES

Mr. President, Rivers State is not just another political battlefield; it is a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic future.

If this crisis is handled with bias, if Wike remains shielded while Fubara is continually undermined, your administration will bear a defining stain—one that history will not erase.

Leadership is not just about loyalty; it is about fairness, courage, and the wisdom to act beyond political debts. The decisions you make today will shape not just the road to 2027, but your legacy in the years beyond. If this crisis is managed with injustice, the trust placed in your leadership will fracture, and the echoes of today’s actions will fuel tomorrow’s resistance.

Yes, Wike fought to deliver Rivers for you in 2023, using every means within his reach. Yes, 2027 looms ahead, but no one controls the future. That is why, in this moment, you must stand on the side of justice. As you rebuke Fubara during this emergency declaration, do not turn a blind eye to Wike’s role in this crisis. Let him too feel the weight of accountability. True leadership is not about selective discipline; it is about ensuring that justice prevails, no matter how powerful the individual.

History will not forget this moment. It will record whether you chose to rise above politics or allowed personal alliances to plunge Nigeria into further instability.

Be careful—Rivers and the entire Niger Delta are watching. The people are not blind to injustice, and the Nigeria Police and Military cannot suppress them all.

The choice is yours. Nigerians are watching. Nigerians are waiting.

The decision of President Bola Tinubu to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months is illegal as it cannot be justified under any of the provisions of the 320 sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.

No doubt, Section 305 of the Constitution empowers the President to take extraordinary measures to restore law and order if, among other reasons, there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security or there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger.

But, the extraordinary measures which may be adopted by the President to restore peace and security in the Federation or in any particular State does not include the suspension of an elected Governor, an elected Deputy Governor and the dissolution of other democratic structures. For the avoidance of doubt, section 45(3) of the Constitution provides that a 'period of emergency' means "any period during which there is in force a Proclamation of a state of emergency declared by the President in exercise of the powers conferred on him under section 305 of this Constitution."

Thus, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the office of an elected governor can only become vacant upon death, ill health, resignation, or impeachment. Even where the office of the Governor becomes vacant for any reason whatsoever, the Deputy Governor shall be sworn in as the Governor.

And where the offices of the Governor and Deputy Governor become vacant at the same time, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly shall become an Acting Governor for not more than 3 months. During the 3-month period, a fresh election shall be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the election of a new governor.

It is pertinent to state that the failure of a House of Assembly to function in Rivers State can not be a justification for the dissolution of democratic structures in any State of the Federation. Indeed, the Constitution had envisaged that a State House of Assembly may not be able to function due to one reason or another. Hence, section 11(4) of the Constitution stipulates as follows:

"At any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions; and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State:

Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as conferring on the National Assembly power to remove the Governor or the Deputy Governor of the State from office."

In 2004 and 2006, we condemned the illegal dissolution of democratic structures when President Olusegun Obasanjo imposed emergency rules on Plateau State and Ekiti State, respectively. Regrettably, on both occasions, the Supreme Court refused to determine the constitutional validity of the dissolution of democratic structures on the ground that the suit were procedurally incompetent because they were instituted during the six-month emergency period by the suspended legislators in the name of Plateau State without the authorization of the Sole Administration of the state!

However, in 2013, when a state of emergency was declared in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States by former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, we urged him to reject the pressure mounted on by anti democratic forces to remove the elected Governors and dissolve democratic structures in the affected States. President Jonathan followed the path of constitutionalism.

In 2021, the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami SAN announced the plan of the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Anambra State over insecurity and threat to a complete breakdown of law and order in that part of the Federation We advised President Buhari not to demolish democratic structures even if emergency rule was imposed on the state. President Buhari followed the path of constituionalism.

In the cases of Adegbenro vs. Attorney-General of the Federation (1962) 1 NLR 338 F.R.A. Williams V Dr. M.A. Majekodunmi (1962) 1 NLR 328 the Supreme Court of Nigeria validated the Emergency Powers Act 1961 to justify the dissolution of democratic structures as well as suspension of fundamental human rights in western region. As there is no equivalent of the Emergency Powers Act 1961 under the current constitutional dispensation, the suspension of an elected Governor by an elected President is a constitutional anomaly under the 1999 Constitution.

In Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State & Ors (2024) LPELR-62576 (SC) filed by the Bola Tinubu administration, the Supreme Court of Nigeria held that the removal of elected chairmen and councilors as well as appointment of sole administrators or caretaker committees by State Governors to run local government councils are illegal and unconstitutional. It follows to reason that the suspension of elected governors and elected members of the House of Assembly by the President is illegal and unconstitutional in every material particular.

To that extent, a serving or retired military officer can not be imposed as a Sole Administrator to govern any state in Nigeria. Similarly, a military officer cannot be appointed by the National Assembly as a Sole Administrator to govern the Nigerian people during a war between Nigeria and another country.

In the Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly v Hon Rifkatu Danna (2017) 49 WRN 82 and several other cases, Nigerian Courts have held that the suspension of elected legislators is illegal and unconstitutional. Therefore, the National Assembly should not endorse the illegal suspension of the Rivers State legislators that have not defected from the People's Democratic Party to the All Progressive Congress. Instead of approving the illegal dissolution of democratic structures in Rivers State, the National Assembly should assist Governor Fubara by invoking its powers under section 11 (4) of the Constitution "to make laws for the peace, order and good government of that State"

Therefore, we are compelled to call on President Bola Tinubu to follow the path of constituionalism without any delay. The President should proceed to reinstate the suspended Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu and restore all democratic structures in Rivers State. This call is without prejudice to the duty imposed on the President to adopt extraordinary measures to restore law and order in Rivers State under Governor Fubara in strict compliance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.