By Nyesom Wike, says he is not satisfied with the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, revealing he had pushed for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s total removal instead. He made the comments during a media chat in Abuja on Friday morning.
Wike expressed his disappointment over President Bola Tinubu’s decision to install emergency leadership instead of outright dismissal. “As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers State. I wanted the outright removal of the governor,” he stated. “But for the interest of the state, the president did the right thing to prevent anarchy.”
President Tinubu had last month declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers following months of political instability and security threats. The decision led to the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and all lawmakers. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) was appointed sole administrator to manage state affairs in the interim.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers and now a central player in the state’s power struggle, insisted Fubara had lost the moral authority to continue leading. “The governor was gone. He was gone, yes… so when people say the president did this, I say they should be praising him,” Wike said. “Every morning, they should go to the president and ask, ‘Can we wash your feet for saving us?’”
The political feud between Wike and Fubara has led to deep cracks in the state’s leadership. The conflict spilled into the House of Assembly, causing chaos, lawmaker suspensions, defections to the APC, and the creation of rival factions.
Though the president’s move is seen by supporters as a step to save the state from further breakdown, critics argue it undermines democratic principles. The debate continues as Rivers State grapples with a leadership vacuum and public uncertainty.
