IMO State Governor Hope Uzodimma has defended President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers State, describing it as necessary to maintain critical economic assets and prevent further instability.
In an interview in Lagos, Uzodimma chaired the chair of the National Economic Commission’s subcommittee on crude oil theft, stressing that after the pipeline is destroyed, the federal government must act decisively and decisively, threatening Nigeria’s oil production quotas.
“When pipelines are bombed, we have to prioritize conservation production,” Uzodimma said. “As we strive to increase output, nothing should be encouraged that leads to further leakage or reduces production quotas.”
The governor revealed that as U.S. chief security officer, Tinub consulted stakeholders before taking action and expressed concerns about tensions in the River State. Uzodimma questioned what would happen if the state capitol successfully impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning that such a political crisis could set dangerous precedents.
“Power belongs to God,” Uzodimma said. “If you were a governor, God would defend you. But when tensions rise to a point where the national economic interests are threatening, it is the responsibility of the federal government to step in.”
The IMO governor also dismissed the Tinubu government’s favor to the Southwest in terms of appointments, believing that Nigeria’s challenges require performance-based leadership rather than regional considerations. He praised the president’s reform-driven approach, comparing it to the style of the previous administration.
Regarding insecurity, Uzodimma insists that much of the violence in IMO countries is politically motivated and carefully planned by those who have lost their elections. He reiterated the government’s use of dynamic and non-dynamic strategies to restore peace, including youth authorization programs and infrastructure development.
Regarding the appeal of state police, Uzodimma confirmed that all 36 governors, including the FCT, endorsed the proposal, which is now ahead of the National Assembly’s legislative litigation.
