The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has ignited widespread debate, with concerns raised over its implications for democracy.
Former Minister of Agriculture and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Audu Ogbeh, has warned that appointing a former service chief to replace an elected governor sends the wrong signal that Nigerians still desire military rule.
Ogbeh, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, criticized the president’s decision, arguing that suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara while retaining the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike—both central figures in the political crisis—reflects a lack of fairness.
“I think that the use or declaration of states of emergency is something that we should avoid as much as possible. It’s a very dangerous trend because it is definitely not going to be always fair and just,” Ogbeh stated. “It will always leave a bitter taste in the mouths of those affected and a certain sense of victory and triumph in the minds of those who think they have won.”
Ogbeh highlighted the ethnic and political tensions that could arise from such a move, urging caution in its application. Drawing comparisons to past instances under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he acknowledged that presidents often have more intelligence on such situations but maintained that dialogue should always be the first approach.
“When these problems began, in fairness to the president, he did call the Rivers State gentleman to the villa once. That didn’t seem to work,” he said. “We should, as soon as possible, even before the six months pass, find solid individuals in Rivers State to mediate in this matter.”
“The decision of the President should not overrule the vote of the people who made that individual governor,” Ogbeh emphasized.
Addressing concerns over the increasing use of military figures in civil administration, Ogbeh questioned why ex-military personnel are repeatedly appointed to govern states under emergency rule. “Each time there is this suspension of a governor, a military person is put back in place. Do we miss military rule, or are we suggesting that civilians are incapable of governing themselves?” he asked.
He called for constitutional amendments to clarify the limits of presidential powers under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, warning that a more autocratic leader in the future could exploit such provisions.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), appointed as the sole administrator for Rivers State, has officially assumed office. Ogbeh advised him to listen to all parties involved, maintain neutrality, and work towards a peaceful resolution.
While the federal government defends the emergency declaration as necessary for stability, opposition voices, including Ogbeh’s, continue to push for dialogue and political reconciliation over executive intervention.
