By Emmanuel Adegbite
The recent press briefing by former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, aired on Channels Television on Friday, March 28, 2025, has sparked a wave of controversy and debate in political circles. His statements, laden with accusations against the Rivers State government, have been met with skepticism, with many branding them as misleading and politically motivated.
Dr. Nwaeke’s claims focused on what he described as the collapse of democratic governance in Rivers State under Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He accused the governor of deliberately sabotaging the state legislature, refusing to submit commissioner nominees for screening, and even ordering ministries, agencies, and departments to cease communication with the State House of Assembly. He further alleged that the governor orchestrated the demolition of the House of Assembly complex, calling these actions despotic and an attempt to rule unilaterally.
While these claims are serious, they must be examined within the broader political context, particularly in light of the federal government’s recent actions in Rivers State.
Just ten days prior, on March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and security concerns. This declaration led to the controversial suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly. The move has been widely criticized as unconstitutional, with many arguing that it constitutes an overreach of executive power.
Prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, released a joint statement condemning the declaration as a direct subversion of democracy. They highlighted constitutional violations, particularly regarding Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which does not grant the president the power to unilaterally remove elected officials. The coalition called for the immediate reversal of the decision, urging Nigerians to resist what they perceive as an abuse of power.
In this context, Dr. Nwaeke’s statements seem to align with the federal government’s justification for its intervention in Rivers State. By painting Governor Fubara’s administration as dysfunctional and authoritarian, these claims serve to legitimize an otherwise highly controversial state of emergency.
However, political analysts and civil society organizations have questioned the timing and credibility of these allegations. They argue that such narratives are being strategically deployed to sway public opinion and justify actions that erode democratic principles.
It is imperative for the public to critically assess such claims and not take them at face value. The unfolding situation in Rivers State is not just about governance but also about the broader struggle for democratic integrity in Nigeria. While accountability is essential in governance, misinformation and politically motivated narratives can be just as dangerous as corruption itself.
As the nation watches, the challenge remains to ensure that truth prevails over political propaganda, and that the principles of democracy are upheld without compromise. The people of Rivers State and indeed Nigeria deserve governance based on transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, not on manufactured crises and strategic misinformation.
