By Former Oyo State governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, dismissing concerns that it threatens democracy.
Speaking at his Bodija residence in Ibadan during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, Ladoja stated that Tinubu’s move was necessary to restore order in Rivers. He noted that the emergency rule remains valid unless overturned by the court.
Ladoja pointed out that the political crisis in Rivers, involving suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had posed a serious threat to stability in the state. He emphasized that Tinubu’s intervention was to prevent further chaos.
He argued that the declaration had already brought relative peace to Rivers, adding that such measures serve as a warning to other governors to ensure good governance and avoid political turmoil.
Calling for reconciliation, Ladoja urged both Fubara and Wike to use this period to resolve their differences if their true intention is to serve the people of Rivers State.
“They should sit down and talk. They should use this period of emergency to settle their differences in the interest of the state. They should ask themselves, ‘What are we fighting for?’” Ladoja said.
