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Nigeria – Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi stated the ongoing political Rivers crisis stems from a money-sharing disagreement. He identified suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike as central figures.
Speaking to DW on Friday, Amaechi called the feud a fight over finances, not governance. He questioned the public’s lack of demand for transparency.
“The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what’s the quarrel?” Amaechi asked. “Can both of them speak to the public and tell us what the problem is about?”
State of Emergency Declared
Amaechi’s comments follow President Bola Tinubu’s March 18 declaration. Tinubu announced a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State. This action suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly. Tinubu cited political instability and pipeline vandalism. He appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) as Sole Administrator.
Amaechi Criticizes Tinubu’s Action
Amaechi condemned the state of emergency. He argued it allows governors to be removed easily and called it a dangerous precedent. He views the Rivers crisis intervention as a political power struggle involving the president and Wike.
“The president wants a power grab. They want to frighten governors who may not support them in 2027,” Amaechi stated.
He questioned the reason for the emergency rule. Amaechi noted other regions face serious security issues without similar actions. He stressed that security is the president’s responsibility, not the governor’s. Amaechi believes Fubara faces unfair punishment in the Rivers crisis.
“Rivers governor has no security responsibility; it rests squarely on the president. So why punish a man who did not commit an offence?” he added.
Amaechi urged Rivers residents to use democratic protests against Tinubu’s decision. He warned the emergency rule harms constitutional governance.
