As political tensions deepen in Rivers State, a major twist has emerged. Former Governor Ada George has made bold allegations, naming the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike as the key architect of the recent state of emergency declared in the state. George’s comments have reignited national attention on the crisis and raised serious constitutional concerns.
Ada George Accuses FCT Minister of Orchestrating Crisis
During a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Ada George, who governed Rivers State from 1992 to 1993 and now chairs the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, accused the FCT Minister, Wike of fueling the political instability that has rocked the state.
“The FCT Minister is the architect of all these things,” George declared. “He could set ablaze states where the governors do not share his views. And that is exactly what I think he is trying to do in Rivers State.”
George alleged that the Minister’s efforts to impose his political will on Governor Siminalayi Fubara were met with resistance, prompting a behind-the-scenes maneuvering that led to the controversial state of emergency declaration and the appointment of sole administrators across all 23 local government areas.
Controversial Appointments and Constitutional Concerns
According to George, the appointment of sole administrators by the state’s military-backed leadership is a direct violation of constitutional provisions. He noted that legal frameworks clearly outline how local government leadership should be constituted—and bypassing those processes, he said, undermines Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
| Key Allegation | Details |
|---|---|
| Alleged Instigator | Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) |
| Accusation | Orchestrating state of emergency and appointments |
| Targeted Action | Sole administrators appointed in 23 LGAs |
| Constitutional Violation Claimed | Undermining democratic election processes |
“There are laid-down legal processes for constituting local government leadership. This action undermines those principles,” George said.
The FCT Minister’s Visit Raises Eyebrows
George also pointed out that the FCT Minister was in Rivers State just days before the appointments were announced. He claimed that the Minister met with the state’s interim leadership and military officials on March 7, 2025, and shortly afterward, the controversial appointments were made public.
Rivers Elders Call for Peaceful Resolution
Despite the rising tensions, George affirmed that the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum is committed to peaceful and lawful solutions. While warning against further provocations, he emphasized that the people of Rivers would not tolerate political manipulation.
“We cannot go physical… but we will resist any form of disruption,” he warned.
The forum has also written letters to both Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, urging them to engage in dialogue. However, George lamented that neither party responded.
“We did communicate in writing to both the warring parties… but unfortunately, we didn’t receive a reply from any of them.”
Legal Action Looms
George concluded by stating that if the situation persists, the forum will not hesitate to pursue legal remedies.
“We will go to court where necessary. We already have cases in court, and we will continue,” he affirmed.
Editor’s Commentary
The crisis in Rivers State shows no sign of slowing down. With former Governor Ada George’s explosive claims and the continued silence from the state’s key actors, the coming weeks may see new twists—including potential court battles and heightened national debate.
Stay with us for continued updates on the unfolding political drama in Rivers State.
