PORT HARCOURT — The federal government’s emergency takeover of Rivers State is facing renewed backlash, as fresh revelations point to glaring constitutional violations and attempts to hijack political control from the elected governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Key areas of concern include:
1. Illegal Dismissal of Appointees
Political appointees loyal to Governor Fubara have been removed without due process, undermining democratic mandates.
2. Unlawful Budget Preparation
Despite lacking legislative authority, the Sole Administrator has begun preparing a new state budget — a move that defies constitutional order, as no House of Assembly exists to approve it.
3. Federal Allocations Without Oversight
Federal funds are being received and spent without transparency or lawful oversight, raising red flags over potential financial abuse.
4. Appointment of a New SSG
The Secretary to the State Government, a position strictly under the jurisdiction of an elected governor, has been appointed by the unelected Sole Administrator.
5. Public Statements as “Governor”
The administrator continues to issue statements and directives as if elected, essentially usurping the role of Governor Fubara.
QUESTIONS FOR PRESIDENT TINUBU:
Is the appointment of a new State INEC truly a security measure, or a calculated move to restore Wike’s grip on Rivers politics?
Why are Sole Administrators being installed in Local Government Areas when neutral heads of administration already exist?
Is this about controlling LGA funds or simply rewarding Wike loyalists with power?
How does dismantling the governor’s structure help with restoring security?
Can a Sole Administrator legally prepare a budget in a state with no legislature?
Can the National Assembly approve such a budget without formally invoking Section 11 of the Constitution?
How are these sweeping powers compatible with what was supposed to be a short-term intervention?
A COUP IN CIVILIAN CLOTHING?
Critics say the emergency intervention is no longer about peace or order — it is a coordinated handover of the state’s political infrastructure to Minister Nyesom Wike, in what appears to be a 2027 power play.
“This is not democratic governance. This is a political coup wearing civilian clothes,” one observer stated.
The people of Rivers State — and Nigerians at large — are being urged to resist this creeping assault on constitutional rule, as the line between federal authority and authoritarian overreach continues to blur.
