News

Presidency Again Defends Suspension Of Rivers Governor, Denies Power Grab

Published

5 days ago

Mar 23, 2025.

The Presidency denies Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers leaders is a power grab.
It says the move prevents anarchy and protects Nigeria’s economic stability.
Tinubu appointed an administrator, assuring the suspension is temporary.

The Presidency has dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political figures in Rivers State was a bid for power, insisting that the move was necessary to prevent the state from descending into chaos.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement released on Sunday, March 23, 2025, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the intervention was aimed at averting a total breakdown of governance. He argued that delaying action would have been reckless, especially as the political crisis in Rivers State had crippled governance.

The ongoing turmoil, according to the Presidency, stemmed from a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike. Despite Supreme Court rulings affirming constitutional governance, the feuding factions continued to disregard the law. Intelligence reports also indicated that militants in the creeks were plotting to sabotage critical oil infrastructure, posing a direct threat to Nigeria’s economy.

“Imagine a Rivers State where President Tinubu hesitated. The political standoff could have spiraled into violence, with attacks on lawmakers and threats to vital oil infrastructure. Schools and hospitals would shut down, investors would flee, and the economic toll would be catastrophic,” the statement read.

By March 18, the situation had escalated beyond political resolution, making a presidential intervention unavoidable. While critics argued that the suspension undermined democracy, the Presidency insisted it was a temporary and necessary measure to restore order.

“This is no power grab. The intervention is temporary, surgical, and aimed at restoring—not replacing—democratic institutions. The six-month suspension is designed to disarm warring factions and stabilize governance,” Onanuga stated.

The Presidency also criticized those opposing the intervention, accusing them of hypocrisy for failing to condemn Governor Fubara’s refusal to cooperate with the legislature.

“Democracy cannot thrive amid lawlessness—anarchy is its antithesis,” Onanuga argued. He referenced Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows the President to act in situations where there is a breakdown of law, order, and economic security. He also cited past states of emergency in Plateau and Borno as precedents for such decisive action.

“The President’s oath demands that he safeguard national stability, not watch idly as partisan strife strangles our democracy. Rivers is a vital economic artery, and any politically motivated disruption in its oil industry has nationwide consequences,” the statement asserted.

To oversee the transition, President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State. Ibas has since begun consultations with traditional leaders to explore long-term solutions for peace and governance in the state.

The Presidency assured Nigerians that the state of emergency would be lifted once stability is restored, allowing elected officials to resume their duties.

Defending Tinubu’s decision, the statement concluded with a quote from 18th-century philosopher Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

“To those calling him a ‘tyrant,’ ask yourselves—what democracy prospers in chaos? The calm in Rivers today vindicates the President’s decision. He deserves commendation, not condemnation,” the statement read.