President Tinubu's Decision: Why A State Of Emergency Was Declared In Rivers State

Onanuga Defends Tinubu’s Move: A Necessary Step to Prevent Chaos

Let me break this down for you. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, recently stood up to defend President Bola Tinubu's decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. This move, made on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, has sparked a lot of conversation across the country, with many questioning the rationale behind such a bold action. But let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the House of Assembly was not made lightly. It was a response to the growing political unrest that was threatening to destabilize one of Nigeria’s most critical states.

And who did Tinubu appoint to take the reins? A retired naval chief, Ibok-Ete Ibas, was named as the state’s sole administrator. This is no ordinary appointment. It signals a clear intent to bring stability and order to a region that is crucial for the nation’s economic health.

Why Nigerians Need to Reflect Before Reacting

In an exclusive interview on ARISE Television’s ‘Prime Time,’ Onanuga emphasized a point that many of us need to hear. He pointed out that Nigerians often react to situations without taking the time to think critically or reflect on the consequences. This knee-jerk reaction, as he described it, can sometimes lead to more harm than good. Imagine this: if Tinubu hadn’t stepped in, Governor Fubara might have been impeached by the state House of Assembly. Sounds simple, right? But here’s the kicker—this impeachment could have led to widespread violence and chaos in Rivers State.

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Onanuga further explained that Rivers State is not just any state. It’s like the lifeblood of our nation, providing the majority of our revenue through its oil and gas resources. In his words, “Rivers State harbors our oil resources, oil and gas. The state is like the oxygen of this country. Most of our money comes from that state, and no leader would want to sit back and watch the state burn before acting.”

Averting Crisis: The President's Role

Let’s dive deeper into why Tinubu’s intervention was so crucial. The situation in Rivers State was spiraling out of control. The legislature was talking about impeaching the governor, Fubara was trying to present a budget, and the state was already showing signs of crisis. If the House of Assembly had gone ahead with the impeachment, it could have resulted in bloodshed and further instability. On the very day the emergency was imposed, there were attacks on our pipelines. Can you imagine what might have happened if the president hadn’t acted?

Onanuga reiterated that Tinubu’s decision was not about removing anyone but about suspending the current leadership temporarily to prevent a larger crisis. “The President suspended and did not remove them, and it’s for the good of the country,” he emphasized. It’s a reminder that sometimes, tough decisions are necessary to protect the nation’s interests and ensure peace and stability.

So, as Nigerians, it’s important for us to pause and reflect on these actions. Let’s engage in meaningful conversations and understand the complexities involved in such high-stakes decisions. After all, the well-being of our country depends on it.