Tinubu's Move In Rivers: Why The Emergency Declaration Makes Sense

Why Tinubu’s Decision Wasn’t Just About Politics

Let me tell you something, folks. There’s been a lot of chatter about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. Some people are calling it a power grab, but let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. The Presidency has made it crystal clear: this wasn’t about flexing political muscles. It was about stopping the state from spiraling into total chaos. And let’s be honest, when lawlessness starts to take over, it’s not just the politicians who suffer—it’s everyday Nigerians.

On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, laid it all out in a statement. He said waiting for the whole system to collapse before taking action would have been reckless. Think about it: if the President had just sat there and watched as Rivers State unraveled, where would that leave the rest of the country? Governance isn’t a game. It’s about making tough calls when the situation demands it.

Understanding the Crisis in Rivers State

Now, let’s break down what’s been happening in Rivers. According to the Presidency, this isn’t just a run-of-the-mill disagreement between politicians. No, this is a deep-rooted, bitter power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and some members of the State House of Assembly who are loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike. This isn’t just politics; it’s personal. And when politics gets personal, things can get ugly fast.

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The conflict has been so intense that it’s completely paralyzed governance in the state. Even the Supreme Court has chimed in, issuing rulings to try and restore constitutional order, but guess what? Those rulings have been ignored by the warring factions. It’s like they’re playing chess while the rest of the state is burning. And let’s not forget the intelligence reports that suggest militants in the creeks are ready to sabotage critical oil infrastructure. That’s not just a threat to Rivers—it’s a threat to the entire nation’s economic security.

What Was at Stake?

Imagine this: if President Tinubu had hesitated, the political standoff could have turned violent. Picture attacks on lawmakers, schools shutting down, hospitals unable to operate, and investors fleeing like rats abandoning a sinking ship. The human and economic cost would have been devastating. By March 18, the situation had escalated to a point where traditional political solutions just weren’t going to cut it anymore. Intervention wasn’t an option—it was a necessity.

Onanuga put it bluntly in the statement: “This is no power grab. The intervention is temporary, surgical, and aimed at restoring—not replacing—democratic institutions.” The six-month suspension wasn’t about sidelining democracy; it was about giving the state a chance to breathe and heal. Critics may call it authoritarian, but the Presidency argues that true democracy can’t survive in an environment of lawlessness. Anarchy, my friends, is the enemy of democracy.

Legal Backing and Historical Context

Here’s the thing: President Tinubu didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to intervene in Rivers. He has the Constitution on his side. Section 305 gives him the authority to step in when there’s a breakdown of law, order, and economic security. And let’s face it, that’s exactly what was happening in Rivers. The Presidency also pointed to historical precedents, like the states of emergency in Plateau and Borno, to show that this kind of intervention isn’t unprecedented.

The President’s oath isn’t just a formality—it’s a commitment to safeguard national stability. Watching from the sidelines while partisan squabbles destroy democracy isn’t leadership; it’s negligence. Rivers is a critical economic hub for Nigeria, and any disruption to its oil industry has ripple effects across the entire country. This isn’t just about one state; it’s about protecting the nation as a whole.

Restoring Peace and Governance

With Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) now at the helm as Administrator of Rivers State, things are already moving in the right direction. One of his first moves was to sit down with traditional leaders to start hashing out long-term solutions. This isn’t about erasing the past; it’s about building a future where governance can function without constant chaos. The Presidency has assured Nigerians that the state of emergency will be lifted as soon as stability is restored, allowing elected officials to return to their roles.

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And here’s the kicker: the Presidency isn’t backing down from defending President Tinubu’s decision. In fact, they ended their statement with a quote from philosopher Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” To those labeling Tinubu a “tyrant,” the Presidency asks a simple question: what kind of democracy thrives in chaos? The calm that’s now settling over Rivers State proves that the President made the right call. He deserves praise, not criticism.