President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the River State, sparking widespread debate and concerns about its impact on democracy.
Audu Ogbeh, former Agriculture Minister and former President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), warned that appointing a former service chief in place of the governor-elect has sent a false signal that Nigerians still desire military domination.
Ogbeh, speaks on channel TV Today’s politicscriticizing the president’s decision, argued that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara was suspended while retaining the Federal Capital Territory Minister (FCT) Nyesom Wike (central figure in the political crisis), which showed a lack of fairness.
“I think the use or declaration of a state of emergency is something we should avoid as much as possible. It’s a very dangerous trend because it’s definitely not always fair and just,” Ogbeh said. “It always leaves a taste of pain in the mouth of the affected person and wins a certain victory and victory in the hearts of those who think they’re winning.”
Ogbeh highlighted the racial and political tensions that the move could cause, urging its app to be cautious. Comparing with past instances under former president Olusegun Obasanjo, who acknowledged that the president usually has more wisdom in this situation, but insisted that dialogue should always be the first approach.
“When these issues start to be fair to the president, he does call the River Gentleman a villa. That doesn’t seem to work,” he said. “We should find a solid person in River State to mediate the matter as soon as possible before six months pass.”
“The president’s decision should not overturn the vote of the people who become the governor,” Ogbeh stressed.
While addressing concerns about increasing military figures in civil administration, Ogbeh questioned why former military personnel were repeatedly appointed to state governments under emergency rule. “Every time there is a governor’s suspension, the military is put in place. Have we missed military rule, or are we suggesting that civilians can do nothing?” he asked.
He called for the formulation of constitutional amendments to articulate the restrictions on presidential powers under Article 305 of the 1999 Constitution, warning that more authoritarian leaders could take advantage of such provisions in the future.
Deputy Admiral IBOK-ETE IBAS (Retired), appointed as the sole executive of Rivers State, has officially held a position. Ogbeh advised him to listen to all parties concerned, remain neutral and work on a peaceful solution.
The federal government’s defense of the emergency declaration is a necessary condition for stability, but opposition voices, including Ogbeh, continue to promote dialogue and political reconciliation rather than implementing interventions.
