Former Rivers Governor reveals names of top politicians behind state of emergency rule

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister has been accused by former Rivers State Governor Rufus Ada George of orchestrating the state’s ongoing political instability, including the declaration of a state of emergency and the contentious appointment of sole administrators in each of the state’s 23 local government areas.

Ada George, the current chair of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum and the former governor of Rivers State from 1992 to 1993, made the comments at a press conference on the most recent political developments in the state.

Ada George said, “The FCT Minister is the architect of all these things,” alleging that the minister had stoked the flames of instability after failing to impose his political will on the state’s leadership.

“He could set ablaze states where the governors did not share his views,” he added.

“And that is exactly what I think he is trying to do in Rivers State. Enough is enough. We will not allow him to set Rivers State ablaze anymore.”

The minister’s visit to the state just days before the contentious nominations of sole administrators was cited by the previous governor. “He was reported to have been here on the 7th, Monday evening, traversing the whole place, visiting the military administrator. Then following that, this announcement came through.”

President Bola Tinubu imposed a state of emergency in March, which resulted in the suspension of elected state authorities and the appointment of Ibok-ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.

Local political leaders and civil society organizations have widely denounced the recent move to designate sole administrators in local governments, claiming that it breaches constitutional provisions pertaining to local governance and undercuts the democratic process.

Ada George also expressed disapproval of the appointments. He said, “The appointment of sole administrators is unconstitutional,” Ada George declared. “There are laid down legal processes for constituting local government leadership. This action undermines those principles.”

The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum would keep looking for peaceful solutions in spite of the tensions, according to Ada George. “We cannot go physical… but we will resist in any form that will attempt to disrupt or disorganize this state,” he warned.

In order to reduce tensions and restart communication, he said he hoped the FCT Minister will speak with pertinent parties. “We hoped he would consult with stakeholders for peacebuilding, to calm tensions, and to resolve the issues between the two parties—not escalate them,” he added.

Ada George further disclosed that at the beginning of the conflict, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum had contacted both former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara, but had not heard back. “We did communicate in writing to both the warring parties…but unfortunately, we didn’t have the courtesy of receiving a reply from any of them,” he said.

However, the group is still dedicated to looking for a legal solution, and Ada George reaffirmed, “We will go to court where necessary. We have cases in court at the moment, and we will continue.”

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