Tonye Cole Weighs In: Why A Governor Can't Just Ignore The President

APC’s Tonye Cole Speaks on Rivers State Crisis

In the aftermath of the political turbulence that has gripped Rivers State, Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 Rivers State election, has stepped forward to weigh in on the situation. In a candid and insightful interview, Cole addressed the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu, emphasizing the critical relationship between the federal government and state leadership. His remarks shed light on the complexities of governance and the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes.

President Tinubu’s Declaration: A Step Towards Stability

According to reports from Naija News, President Bola Tinubu, during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, expressed deep concern over the political instability in Rivers State. The president was visibly troubled by the escalating tensions, particularly the controversial demolition of the State House of Assembly building, an action attributed to Governor Sim Fubara. Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency was not made lightly; it came after multiple attempts to mediate a peaceful resolution between the conflicting parties. In his address, Tinubu lamented, “I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis.”

Cole’s Perspective: Understanding the Governor’s Stance

During an interview on Channels Television, Tonye Cole offered his analysis of the situation, suggesting that Governor Fubara’s alleged disregard for the president’s directives could stem from a perceived imbalance in the proposed solutions. Cole argued that if the governor felt the proposals were one-sided or failed to address the core issues, it might explain his decision to ignore them. He emphasized, “I believe both parties have to be held accountable if they truly ignored the President. However, I don’t think that’s exactly what happened here. If I heard correctly, the president indicated that the governor and his team ignored him after he reached out to them.”

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Cole went on to elaborate, “If that’s the case, then the critical question becomes: what were the conditions presented that led to this disregard? A president holds immense power, and for a state governor to dismiss the president’s counsel, there must be compelling reasons. Either the solution offered was so skewed that it appeared unfair, or it simply didn’t tackle the problem at hand. This raises important questions about the nature of the dialogue between the federal and state governments.”

The Dynamics of Federal-State Relations

Cole’s comments highlight the delicate balance required in federal-state relations. While the president wields significant authority, the governor is entrusted with the responsibility of representing the interests of their state. In this context, ignoring the president’s directives is not a decision taken lightly. Cole suggested that the governor’s actions could indicate dissatisfaction with the terms presented, prompting a need for further negotiation and compromise. He stated, “Whether the governor chooses to ignore the president or seeks to revisit the issue, the underlying challenge remains the same: finding a resolution that satisfies both parties and restores stability to the state.”

In conclusion, the situation in Rivers State serves as a stark reminder of the importance of open communication and mutual respect in governance. As Cole pointed out, the resolution of such crises depends not only on the actions of individual leaders but also on the willingness of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue. Only through collaboration can lasting peace and progress be achieved.