Former Governor of Rivers State, Ada George, has blamed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the political unrest currently rocking the state, alleging that the minister is behind the controversial imposition of a state of emergency and the appointment of sole administrators across all 23 local government areas.
Ada George, who served as governor from 1992 to 1993 and now chairs the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, made the claims during a media briefing following the latest developments in the state’s political crisis. He accused the FCT Minister of attempting to ignite instability after failing to assert political control over the state’s leadership.
“The FCT Minister is the architect of all these things,” George said. “He could set ablaze states where the governors did not share his views. And that is exactly what I think he is trying to do in Rivers State. Enough is enough. We will not allow him to set Rivers State ablaze anymore.”
He claimed the minister was in Rivers State shortly before the controversial announcements were made. “He was reported to have been here on the 7th, Monday evening, traversing the whole place, visiting the military administrator. Then following that, this announcement came through,” George said.
He described the appointment of sole administrators as unconstitutional and a clear threat to democracy. “There are laid down legal processes for constituting local government leadership. This action undermines those principles.”
While expressing the forum’s commitment to peaceful resolution, the elder statesman cautioned that Rivers people would not sit idly by in the face of continued provocation. “We cannot go physical… but we will resist in any form that will attempt to disrupt or disorganize this state.”
Despite the rising tension, George noted that the forum initially hoped the minister would take a reconciliatory path. “We hoped he would consult with stakeholders for peacebuilding, to calm tensions, and to resolve the issues between the two parties—not escalate them,” he said.
Quoting Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, George called for calm and patience among stakeholders: “Surulere, Surulere”—be patient, be silent.
He also disclosed that the Rivers Elders Forum had written to both Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike at the beginning of the crisis, but neither responded. “We did communicate in writing to both the warring parties… but unfortunately, we didn’t have the courtesy of receiving a reply from any of them.”
George reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to lawful processes and legal redress. “We will go to court where necessary. We have cases in court at the moment, and we will continue,” he said.