Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has stated that the ongoing feud between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, is primarily about money sharing. In an interview with DW Africa, Amaechi criticized both politicians for failing to clarify the true cause of their dispute and accused Nigerians of ignoring corruption. He also condemned the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to democracy. Amaechi argued that the security concerns cited as justification for the declaration were exaggerated, stating that insecurity in other parts of the country had not led to similar actions.
The crisis in Rivers State escalated during the recent local government elections, which saw major political parties withdraw over concerns about due process. Amid the turmoil, President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers for six months, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as state administrator. Amaechi alleged that the president’s actions were politically motivated, aimed at consolidating power ahead of the 2027 elections. He urged Rivers residents to resist what he described as an imposition of military rule and called for protests against the emergency declaration.