Controversy Erupts: Lawyer Oshoma Challenges Tinubu’s Rivers State Emergency Declaration

Scope 31 Mar 2025

Your Declaration Not About Fighting Insecurity, It’s About Taking Rivers State Through The Back Door - Oshoma Fires Tinubu

A Legal Battle Unfolds: Oshoma Takes On Tinubu’s Decision

It’s not every day you hear a lawyer speak out so boldly against a presidential decision, but Nigerian lawyer Liborous Oshoma is doing just that. He’s taken issue with President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that the move smells more of political maneuvering than genuine concern for the state’s security.

Oshoma made his case crystal clear during a recent interview with Arise TV, where he accused the federal government of acting purely in its own political interest. He believes the declaration isn’t about tackling insecurity but rather about seizing control of Rivers State through unconventional means. It’s a bold accusation, and one that’s already sparking heated debates across the country.

Political Contradictions: A Closer Look

For Oshoma, the contradiction couldn’t be more glaring. He pointed out that the federal government has previously gone to the Supreme Court to argue against governors suspending elected local government chairmen. Yet, here they are now, attempting to remove a democratically elected governor and lawmakers under the guise of security concerns. That, to him, is a glaring inconsistency that doesn’t sit right.

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He elaborated, saying, “The federal government once stood before the Supreme Court, demanding a ruling that no state governor could suspend a democratically elected local government chairman. The Supreme Court agreed, and the APC-backed federal government celebrated that victory. Now, the very same government is claiming they have the authority to suspend a democratically elected governor and state lawmakers. How does that make sense? It’s a direct contradiction of their own past actions.”

Constitutional Violations: Is the Move Legal?

According to Oshoma, assigning funds to an unelected sole administrator would be a direct violation of the constitution. He warned that this move sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the democratic process and the rule of law. “The Supreme Court has already ruled that allocations cannot be released to a government that hasn’t been democratically elected,” he emphasized. “Now, the federal government wants to appoint a sole administrator, flout the constitution, and release those funds anyway. That’s not about fighting insecurity; it’s about taking Rivers State through the back door.”

Oshoma went on to explain, “If the issue were genuinely about insecurity, they’d focus on addressing the specific areas affected by insecurity. Instead, they’re taking over the entire state. This isn’t about solving problems; it’s about power grabs and political games.”

Fubara’s Reckless Statement: A Dangerous Precedent

Oshoma didn’t stop there. He also criticized Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his earlier statement about “telling Rivers boys when to deploy.” He argued that such language could easily be misinterpreted or exploited by political opponents, creating unnecessary tension and instability. “In politics, words matter,” Oshoma stressed. “Statements like that can be weaponized and used against you, and it’s reckless to say the least.”

For context, President Tinubu declared the state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected lawmakers for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the state’s sole administrator. The decision was ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday, officially sealing the deal.

A Nation Divided: What Happens Next?

As the dust settles, the nation is left to grapple with the implications of this bold move. Will it lead to a resolution of the security challenges in Rivers State, or will it deepen the divide between political factions? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the legal and political battles are just getting started.