Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to lift the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as a strategic move taken in the overall interest of the state and its citizens.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday night, Wike elaborated on the Federal Government’s deliberations, noting that while authorities had the option to extend the emergency rule, Tinubu deliberately chose to end it in order to restore political stability and foster a peaceful environment in Rivers State.
“I was watching on television today, there are people who are natural crisis builders, who think they can only benefit when there is a crisis,” Wike said. He stressed that the decision to lift the emergency rule was a conscious effort to prioritize the welfare and stability of the people over prolonging political tensions.
He continued: “If we didn’t want the state of emergency to be lifted, we would have done one or two things to make sure it continued. But we did it for the interest of the state. This shows that the government’s focus is on peace and progress rather than exploiting situations for political gains.”
Background to the Crisis
The emergency rule had been declared in March at the peak of escalating political tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political mentor, Wike, who served as the immediate past governor of Rivers State. The conflict had raised concerns about governance and security in the state, prompting the federal intervention.
Under the proclamation, President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for a six-month period. During this time, former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, was appointed as Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s governance and ensure continuity of administrative functions. The move initially sparked widespread debate and criticism across the country, with opinions divided over its necessity and impact on democratic governance.
On Wednesday, however, President Tinubu formally ended the emergency rule, directing all elected officials to return to their positions. Reports from within Rivers State indicated that conditions had stabilized, and the government concluded that there was no longer a need for the emergency measure to continue.
Wike emphasized that the decision reflects a commitment to democracy and the rule of law, highlighting that lifting the emergency rule allows the state to transition back to normal governance while ensuring that political differences do not escalate into crises that could harm citizens and hinder development.
He concluded by reiterating that the choice to end the emergency period was a strategic, peace-focused measure intended to promote collaboration among state officials and encourage unity within the Rivers State populace, signaling a new chapter of governance and progress in the state.[/p>