Rivers State In Turmoil: Is The Sole Administrator Failing To Act?

Rivers State PDP Chairman Blasts Sole Administrator

Naija News brings you the latest from Rivers State, where tensions are running high. Robinson Ewor, the Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, has come out swinging against Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), the sole administrator appointed by President Bola Tinubu. Ewor is vocal in his criticism, claiming there is no justification for the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

In an exclusive interview with Arise News, Ewor painted a vivid picture of the situation in Rivers State. He argued that the crisis in the state isn't what it seems on the surface. Instead, he pointed fingers at former Governor Nyesom Wike, accusing him of attempting to control Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state's resources. According to Ewor, President Tinubu's decision to declare a state of emergency doesn't align with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, and Rivers State doesn't meet the criteria for such a declaration.

Ewor explained, "As a party, as a people, and as citizens of this great state, we strongly oppose the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. If you take a close look at the Nigerian Constitution, Section 305 clearly outlines the conditions under which a state of emergency can be declared. These conditions include war, imminent danger of war, or a total breakdown of law and order. None of these conditions exist in Rivers State today. The President's decision to declare a state of emergency is both puzzling and unjustifiable. The reality on the ground is different from what the President might believe."

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Understanding the Real Problem in Rivers State

Delving deeper into the issue, Ewor accused Wike of orchestrating the current political climate in Rivers State. He alleged that Wike, who allegedly played a pivotal role in Fubara's rise to power, now seeks to dominate the state's governance, resources, and political structure. Ewor lamented that the President, despite having access to intelligence reports, failed to grasp the true nature of the problem in Rivers State.

He continued, "The real issue in Rivers State is a power struggle. Nyesom Wike claims he was instrumental in helping Siminalayi Fubara secure the governorship. He also claims credit for the election of the state House of Assembly members, senators, and representatives. Because of this, he now seeks to control the governance of the state, the party structure, and the state's resources. This is the root of the problem. The President should have had sufficient intelligence to understand that the situation in Rivers State is not about a crisis but rather a disagreement between the former governor and the current one over control of resources."

Ewor further elaborated, "Wike's influence extends beyond the governor's office. He holds sway over the state House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Out of the 13 House of Representatives members, only five are aligned with Governor Fubara. The rest are loyal to Wike. The same is true for the senators. This power dynamic has created a situation where the state's governance is not functioning as it should. Instead of addressing the real issue, the President declared a state of emergency, which is not only unnecessary but also unconstitutional."

Is the Sole Administrator Taking Action?

Ewor was emphatic in his assertion that the sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has not taken meaningful action since his appointment. He argued that Rivers State remains peaceful, leaving little for the administrator to do. Ewor questioned the President's authority to remove Governor Fubara, even under a state of emergency.

He said, "Rivers State is as peaceful as the water. What exactly is the sole administrator doing? Removing the Secretary to the State Government and appointing a new one? Asking the head of service to resign and appointing a replacement? Requesting local government officials to submit reports on their activities? These actions are not indicative of an emergency. There has been no deployment of police, army, navy, or air force to demonstrate that an emergency exists. During my recent visit to the State Police Headquarters, I observed that the deployed police officers are idle. They have nothing to do because there is no emergency."

Ewor concluded, "The President's declaration of a state of emergency is an anomaly. It is unacceptable and unconstitutional. Even if the Constitution granted him the power to declare a state of emergency, it did not give him the authority to suspend or remove a sitting governor or the state House of Assembly. We strongly condemn and reject this decision. None of the conditions listed in the Constitution exist in Rivers State, and the sole administrator's actions reflect this reality."

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