Okonkwo Accuses Tinubu of Initiating Crisis in Rivers State, Says Fate of State Decided by Strangers

Political analyst and legal expert Kenneth Okonkwo has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of instigating the crisis in Rivers State, arguing that there was no actual crisis, only political disputes that were resolved by a Supreme Court judgment.

“It was President Bola Tinubu who initiated the crisis because there was none; there was peace. How many people were killed in Rivers State? The fate of the State was decided by strangers.” Okonkwo stated during an interview on Channels Television’s program, Sunrise Daily on Monday.

He compared the situation in Rivers to the crises in Benue, Niger, and the North East, which have been severely affected by Boko Haram terrorism, stating that extraordinary measures are needed in those regions rather than in Rivers State.

“The Constitution clearly states that a declaration of a State of Emergency is warranted only when external measures are necessary to restore peace and security. What in Rivers State required extraordinary measures for calm? In Benue State, 500 people were killed, and the President did not think extraordinary measures were needed. Boko Haram has been killing our officers and citizens, yet the President hasn’t deemed extraordinary measures necessary. Over 500 people have died from natural disasters in Niger State, and the President did not see a need for extraordinary measures. Yet in Rivers State, where there was no crisis or political riots, a State of Emergency was declared. This is extremely frustrating. The President is using the Supreme Court judgment to justify a declaration of emergency, which is absurd. The APC has moved from deceiving people with lies to enchanting them with manipulation. The Supreme Court judgment was meant to resolve disputes, and it has done so. The Governor and the House of Assembly members agreed to abide by it, so how can the same judgment be used to create a crisis in Rivers State?”

In response to a statement made by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara regarding his reinstatement to the office of Executive Governor after a six-month suspension where he indicated that no sacrifice is too great for peace, Okonkwo stressed that the Supreme Court’s decision was accepted by both the Governor and the members of the House of Assembly.

“Fubara has consistently said he is willing to do anything for peace. This is not the first time he has made such a declaration. Even after the Supreme Court judgment, he stated he would adhere to every aspect of it, and he has. Therefore, I am at a loss as to why a State of Emergency was declared in the first place, considering there was no crisis in Rivers State, only political manoeuvring.”

Kenneth Nweke, a political analyst and professor of politics and governance, added that Fubara remains the best choice for a second term, having fulfilled all the requirements for Rivers people to support him.

“Our Governor (Fubara) was not coerced into submission; he prioritised the interests of ordinary people in Rivers State over his personal ambitions as Governor.”