Anderson Cooper Breaks Down The Controversial State Of Emergency In Rivers State

Former Buhari Advisor Slams Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration

Let’s cut right to the chase here. Babafemi Ojudu, who served as a political advisor to former President Muhammadu Buhari, has come out swinging against President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. According to Naija News, Ojudu is not holding back, calling this move a "reckless and unnecessary decision" that could unravel the fragile balance between security and the economy in Nigeria. This isn’t just a political issue—it’s a crisis that could ripple through the entire nation.

When news broke about the emergency declaration, Ojudu wasted no time in issuing a fiery statement. He was clearly taken aback by the president’s decision and questioned the wisdom of such a drastic measure. For those of us who remember the chaos that unfolded during previous Niger Delta crises, this move raises serious concerns. Is this a necessary step, or is it just another layer of conflict in an already troubled region?

Why Did Tinubu Make This Call?

Ojudu’s statement, filled with pointed questions and stern warnings, highlights the potential consequences of this decision. He expressed his disbelief, saying, “I have just picked up my phone after breaking my fast to find multiple missed calls and countless messages about an alarming development: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.” That line alone sets the tone for the seriousness of the situation. Tinubu’s move wasn’t just unexpected—it was alarming to many observers.

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Ojudu didn’t stop there. He went on to ask, “If this is true, then I must ask: Who advised the President to take this course of action? Whoever it is, they are certainly not a friend of his administration, nor do they have the best interests of Nigeria at heart.” This is a bold accusation, and it points to deeper issues within the administration. Is Tinubu being steered in the wrong direction, or is this decision part of a larger strategy?

The former lawmaker emphasized that this isn’t just a political squabble—it’s a potential disaster waiting to happen. He argued that the situation in Rivers State should be resolved through dialogue, not military intervention. In his words, “This is a simple political dispute that requires a simple solution. Call the two gladiators, sit them down, and read them the riot act. One of them, after all, is your own appointee. What will it benefit you, Mr. President, to keep Wike and lose the Nigerian economy?”

The Economic Impact Could Be Devastating

Ojudu’s concerns aren’t just theoretical—they’re rooted in history. He reminded everyone that past conflicts in the Niger Delta have had catastrophic effects on Nigeria’s economy. He pointed out that during previous crises, oil production plummeted from 2.5 million barrels per day to less than 400,000 barrels. That’s a staggering drop that no country can afford, especially one like Nigeria, where oil revenues are a lifeline.

He warned that Tinubu’s decision could reignite old tensions in the Niger Delta. “Does the President realize that the Niger Delta crisis twice pushed Nigeria into recession under President Muhammadu Buhari?” Ojudu asked. The stakes are incredibly high. If the situation escalates, we could see renewed sabotage of oil infrastructure, illegal oil bunkering, and increased militant activity. This would be a nightmare scenario for an economy already on shaky ground.

“If the situation escalates, we risk another shutdown of vital oil production facilities. We risk renewed pipeline sabotage, illegal oil bunkering, and militant activities. We risk another economic nosedive—at a time when Nigeria can least afford it,” Ojudu added. The message is clear: the economic fallout from this decision could be disastrous.

Stretching Military Resources Too Thin

Ojudu also raised a critical point about the strain this decision could place on Nigeria’s military. The country is already battling insurgent groups, bandits, and kidnappers in other regions, and diverting resources to Rivers State could weaken its ability to address these pressing security challenges. He said, “While we waste energy escalating political battles in Rivers State, thousands of Nigerian soldiers are still fighting for their lives—and for the nation’s survival—against insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers in the North East, North West, and North Central.”

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This is a powerful reminder that Nigeria’s military is stretched thin, and every decision made at the top has real-world consequences for the brave men and women on the front lines. Is this the right time to deploy troops to a political dispute when they’re needed elsewhere to protect innocent lives?

A Call for Reconsideration

Ojudu wrapped up his statement with a strong appeal to President Tinubu. He urged him to rethink the decision, warning that it could spell disaster for the administration and the nation. He said, “This portends disaster—for your administration, for the economy, and for the nation. A state of emergency is not a strategy—it is an admission of failure.”

Ojudu’s plea is a wake-up call for Tinubu and his administration. This decision isn’t just about Rivers State—it’s about the future of Nigeria as a whole. As tensions continue to rise between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the eyes of the nation are on Tinubu. Will he listen to the voices of reason, or will this decision lead to further instability in one of Nigeria’s most vital regions?