Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has claimed that the political crisis in Rivers State is mainly about money, not governance.
He accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike of fighting over how to share state funds.
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In an interview with DW on Friday, Amaechi said, “The fight between the Rivers State governor and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what’s the problem? Nigerians no longer question corruption. Why haven’t they asked both men to explain the real issue?”
His comments follow President Bola Tinubu’s decision on March 18 to declare a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
This led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly. Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) as the Sole Administrator, citing political instability and pipeline vandalism.
Amaechi strongly opposed the emergency rule, calling it a dangerous move that could allow governors to be removed without due process.
He argued that the crisis is part of a bigger power struggle between the president and Wike, with Fubara caught in between.
“The president wants to intimidate governors who may not support him in 2027,” he said.
He also questioned why emergency rule was imposed on Rivers State when other states facing worse security issues have not faced the same action.
“If this is about insecurity and pipeline vandalism, why hasn’t the president imposed emergency rule in other places where security is even worse?” Amaechi asked.
He insisted that security is the president’s responsibility, not the governor’s, and that Fubara is being unfairly punished.
“The Rivers governor has no control over security; that is the president’s duty. So why punish a man for something he has no power over?” he added.
Amaechi urged Rivers residents to reject Tinubu’s decision through peaceful protests, warning that emergency rule threatens democracy and constitutional governance.