Former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi claims the ongoing Wike-Fubara crisis is a fight over money, not governance. He criticized Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers, calling it a political power grab. Amaechi urged residents to resist, warning the move threatens democracy. Read more on the unfolding political drama.
Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has alleged that the political dispute between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara is rooted in a struggle for financial control.
Speaking in an interview with DW, Amaechi dismissed the crisis as a power tussle driven by money rather than governance. He criticized the lack of public scrutiny, stating, “This fight is not about leadership or policies; it’s about how state funds are shared. Why aren’t Nigerians questioning them?”
His remarks follow President Bola Tinubu’s controversial decision to impose a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State. The move led to the suspension of Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) appointed as Sole Administrator. The federal government cited political instability and pipeline vandalism as justification for the decision.
Amaechi condemned the suspension, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent where governors can be removed arbitrarily. He suggested that Tinubu’s move was a strategy to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 elections.
Furthermore, he questioned why Rivers State was singled out for emergency rule while other regions grappling with security issues were left untouched. “If insecurity is the reason, then why isn’t the same action taken elsewhere?” he asked.
Calling on Rivers residents to challenge the decision, Amaechi warned that allowing such federal interference could weaken democracy and embolden future administrations to sideline elected governors without justification.
