Anderson Cooper's Take On The Rivers State Emergency Declaration

Emergency Declaration Sparks Controversy in Rivers State

Let me break this down for you. The Ijaw National Congress (INC) is not holding back when it comes to President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. They’re calling it out as hasty, one-sided, and not in line with the constitution. This isn’t just a political move—it’s a major issue affecting the people of Rivers State, and the INC is making its voice heard loud and clear.

In a recent conversation with Vanguard, the INC president, Prof Benjamin Okaba, laid it all out. He’s accusing Tinubu of failing to rein in Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to Okaba, Wike is making life difficult for Governor Fubara, and that’s a big problem. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about governance and ensuring that Rivers State runs smoothly for its people.

Naija News reports that Okaba believes Wike is trying to turn Rivers State into his personal playground. The INC president isn’t mincing words, calling the emergency declaration “a clear state of dictatorship in civilian clothing.” He warns that Wike is desperate to take control of Rivers State’s political and economic resources, and Tinubu needs to stop supporting him behind the scenes.

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Why the INC Believes the Declaration is Flawed

Prof Okaba outlined three major reasons why the INC opposes the emergency declaration. First, it was rushed. The president had plenty of chances to address the issues before taking such a drastic step. Second, it’s one-sided. By focusing solely on Governor Fubara, the declaration ignores the bigger picture, particularly Wike’s role in creating the chaos. And third, it doesn’t align with constitutional requirements.

Okaba went on to explain that Wike has been vocal about his demands for Fubara. He wants control over all local government areas in Rivers State and an agreement that Fubara won’t run for office again in 2027. This, according to Okaba, shows just how desperate Wike is to seize power and resources in the state. It’s not about governance—it’s about control, and the people of Rivers State are the ones who will suffer.

“The governor entered into a covenant with the people of Rivers State to deliver sustainable development,” Okaba emphasized. “He can’t mortgage that mandate just to satisfy someone else’s ambitions. These facts are out there, and the president needs to pay attention. If there’s any truth to the idea that Tinubu is giving Wike a helping hand, it’s not just wrong—it’s dangerous for democracy.”

Fubara’s Safety is Non-Negotiable

Prof Okaba made it crystal clear: Fubara’s safety must be guaranteed. The world is watching, and the INC isn’t taking any chances. If anything happens to Fubara, Tinubu will be held accountable, and the Ijaw people will not stand idly by.

“Why sack Fubara and leave Wike untouched?” Okaba asked. “The fair thing to do would be to remove everyone involved—Wike, the governor, the deputy governor, and the entire assembly. Wike and all federal appointees from Rivers State should be removed. If they stay in their positions, they’ll only cause more chaos and further their own agendas. This isn’t just about Rivers State; it’s about the health of Nigeria’s democracy.”

Okaba continued, pointing out that Wike had been eyeing the state of emergency as a last resort if other tactics—like judicial or legislative actions—didn’t work. “For the Ijaw people, this feels like another blow. We’ll discuss our next steps in a wider stakeholders meeting, but one thing is certain: Fubara’s safety must be guaranteed at all costs. With the military now in charge, his security could be in jeopardy. The world is watching, and if anything happens to our son Fubara, Tinubu will have a lot of explaining to do.”

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In closing, Okaba urged Ijaw people worldwide to stand up and put Tinubu on notice. “This is a clear case of dictatorship in civilian clothing. We need to protect our son Fubara and ensure his safety. Democracy depends on it.”