Rotimi Amaechi: The Rivers State Crisis is a Power Struggle Over Money and Politics

 

The ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn, with former Governor Rotimi Amaechi offering a candid explanation of the crisis that has plagued the state for nearly two years. In a recent interview with DW Africa, Amaechi revealed that the bitter feud between the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, stems primarily from a disagreement over the sharing of state funds.

Amaechi’s comments come amid growing unrest following President Bola Tinubu's decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, a move that has sparked widespread debate and criticism across the nation. According to Amaechi, the conflict in Rivers is not rooted in ideology or governance but rather in financial disagreements between political elites. "The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel?" Amaechi remarked, casting a harsh light on the motivations behind the ongoing discord.

The former governor also emphasized that Nigerians no longer seem to be concerned about corruption in the political elite. He questioned the public’s lack of interest in understanding the specifics of the dispute, asking, "Can both of them speak to the public and tell us what the problem is?" Amaechi’s remarks suggest a growing disillusionment with the lack of transparency in the political crisis, a sentiment that echoes the frustrations of many citizens who are grappling with the political instability in Rivers.

The state of emergency declared by President Tinubu on March 18, which led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly, has become a focal point for many observers. On March 19, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas as the sole administrator of the state, with the responsibility of restoring order in the region. However, this intervention has been criticized by some, including Amaechi, who argues that it is an unconstitutional move and a direct assault on democracy.

Section 188 of Nigeria’s Constitution stipulates that a governor can only leave office through death, resignation, or impeachment, not through a presidential decree. Amaechi stressed that the president’s decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers undermines the democratic process and creates dangerous precedents for future governance in Nigeria. He stated, "We are now denied democracy. Rivers State is the only state in the country currently not enjoying democracy. They have imposed military rule on us."

Beyond his concerns about the legality of the emergency rule, Amaechi also highlighted the broader political context of the crisis. According to him, President Tinubu’s actions in Rivers are part of a larger political strategy aimed at consolidating power ahead of the 2027 general elections. Amaechi claimed that rumors are circulating that governors who do not support Tinubu’s re-election bid may face similar interventions, casting a shadow over the independence of state governments. "Rumours are everywhere that if any governor is not careful, the president will remove you," he said, hinting at a growing climate of fear and intimidation among regional leaders.

Amaechi also questioned the rationale behind the state of emergency, pointing out that while insecurity is a concern in many parts of the country, the president's focus on Rivers seems disproportionate. "If the President said that the pipe that exploded was the reason why he tagged Rivers unstable and insecure by declaring a state of emergency, what about the other parts of the country where there is insecurity?" Amaechi asked, noting that similar issues exist in the North East, North West, South East, and South South regions. He suggested that the real cause of the emergency rule is not the security situation in Rivers, but rather the ongoing political struggle for control of the state’s resources.

Furthermore, Amaechi argued that Governor Fubara should not be held accountable for the security issues in the state, particularly in relation to the blown pipelines. He pointed out that security responsibility lies with the federal government, not state governors. "Why punish a man who did not commit any offence?" he questioned, referring to Fubara’s suspension.

In response to the state of emergency, Amaechi has called on the people of Rivers State to rise up and resist what he views as an unconstitutional and undemocratic move by the president. He urged citizens to take to the streets, protest the decision, and make their voices heard in the face of what he described as a "military rule" imposed on the state.

Amaechi’s comments have added fuel to the fire of an already volatile situation in Rivers State, with many now questioning the legitimacy of the federal government’s intervention. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the people of Rivers will respond to the state of emergency and whether the political strife will come to a resolution anytime soon.

In the meantime, the controversy surrounding the rift between Governor Fubara and former Governor Wike, as well as the growing discontent over the imposition of military-style rule, shows no signs of dissipating. What is clear, however, is that the crisis in Rivers State is far from over, and the battle for control of the state’s political and financial resources will continue to shape the state’s future in the coming months.