Senator Ayodele Arise, a leading figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has responded firmly to critics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State last March.
During a national address, President Tinubu announced a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly. Subsequently, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs, ensuring governance in the best interest of Rivers residents. With the emergency period now concluded, the suspended officials have returned to their positions.
Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress, have persistently criticized the president’s move, branding it as an affront to democratic principles.
Addressing the media over the weekend, Senator Arise highlighted that Governor Fubara’s controversial actions-such as the demolition of the state Assembly building-posed a serious threat to the functioning of representative democracy.
Reflecting on his tenure representing Ekiti North Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011, Arise also recalled the series of attacks on oil infrastructure in Rivers State prior to the emergency declaration, emphasizing the negative impact these had on Nigeria’s economic stability.
He stated, “Overall, we owe gratitude to the President for his decisive intervention. At the time, the situation in Rivers was rapidly deteriorating. The destruction of the state Assembly building effectively paralyzed the legislative arm, and the ongoing assaults on oil facilities jeopardized national revenue. These circumstances made the emergency declaration necessary.”
“Governor Fubara’s demolition of the Assembly created a vacuum that warranted federal involvement. Given Rivers State’s critical role as a major contributor to the nation’s oil revenue, any unrest there threatens not only local stability but also the livelihoods of engineers and workers in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas. If the region descended into chaos, the President would have failed in his duty by remaining passive.”
“I am optimistic that the President’s actions will restore tranquility in Rivers, even though I am not directly involved in any peace talks. The governor has publicly expressed his commitment to peace. Those who assume ongoing conflict between him and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, should reconsider to foster harmony for the benefit of Rivers’ citizens.”
Senator Arise also refuted claims that Rivers voters, dissatisfied with Tinubu’s handling of the crisis, would punish the APC at the polls.
He pointed out that the APC won 14 out of 23 local government areas in Rivers during the last presidential election and expressed confidence that the party’s recent local government election successes would sustain its momentum in the state.
Furthermore, Arise predicted that Governor Fubara, like other leaders in the Niger Delta, would align himself with President Tinubu’s bid for a second term.
He remarked, “It makes sense for Fubara to support the President. Even if he publicly distances himself, Wike would still outmatch him electorally. From every angle, the President holds a strong position in Rivers, especially considering the job opportunities Wike has facilitated for Rivers indigenes in the Federal Capital Territory. These individuals are likely to return home and contribute to local development.”
