In a dramatic turn amid ongoing political unrest in Rivers State, a new report by the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group has cleared Governor Siminalayi Fubara of allegations linking him to the security issues that prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency.
On Tuesday night, President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast, announced the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. Citing “great disturbance” over what he described as a worsening political crisis, Tinubu justified his move by accusing Governor Fubara of demolishing the State House of Assembly building. Following this, Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial period of six months. In their place, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was installed as the Sole Administrator to manage state affairs during the emergency.
Allegations Under Scrutiny
The move has ignited a firestorm of debate across Nigeria, with many questioning both the legality and the propriety of Tinubu’s decision. Critics argue that the emergency declaration and the suspension of elected officials may have been politically motivated rather than based on genuine security concerns.
In response to these criticisms, the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group released a detailed report during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday. The report specifically challenges the claims that implicated Governor Fubara in security lapses, including ties to militant groups allegedly responsible for pipeline vandalism and other breaches in the state. According to the Coalition, these claims are “politically motivated fabrications” designed to destabilize his administration.
Key Findings of the Report
The report asserts that thorough investigations have found no evidence of financial transactions or operational links between the Rivers State government and known militant factions. Instead, the Coalition contends that the allegations are part of a broader strategy to undermine Fubara and justify drastic federal intervention.
Among the report’s key points:
- Baseless Allegations: The investigation uncovered no verifiable evidence to support claims of a connection between Fubara and militant groups.
- Political Motivation: The report suggests that the allegations are rooted in power struggles and deep-seated rivalries, rather than in actual security lapses.
- Call for Stability: The Coalition emphasizes the need to cease political hostilities and to withdraw security forces that have been deployed without legal backing in Rivers State.
The Role of Inflammatory Statements
The report also criticizes statements made by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of stoking tensions with inflammatory remarks. According to the Coalition, such rhetoric not only escalates regional instability but also undermines the democratic process by diverting attention from the real challenges facing the state.
“Public office holders have an ethical and constitutional duty to promote unity and peace, not to deepen divisions for personal or political gain,” the report stated. It stressed that the security challenges in Rivers State are symptomatic of a longstanding struggle for equity and justice in the Niger Delta, rather than the result of mismanagement by Governor Fubara.
Implications for Rivers State and Nigerian Democracy
The Coalition’s report has significant implications for the political landscape in Rivers State. By refuting the allegations against Fubara, the report not only defends the governor’s record but also challenges the legitimacy of the emergency measures imposed by President Tinubu. Critics warn that using unsubstantiated claims as a basis for removing elected officials could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s federal system.
“Governor Fubara’s exoneration from these baseless allegations is not merely about clearing his name—it is a defense of the democratic principles upon which Nigeria is built,” the report declares. The Coalition calls on both national and international stakeholders to recognize the serious ramifications of weaponizing false narratives for political expediency.
What Lies Ahead
While the state of emergency remains in force, the fallout from these developments continues to reverberate across Rivers State and the broader Nigerian political arena. Key questions now include:
- Will the federal government revise its approach to governing Rivers State as new evidence emerges?
- How will the suspension of the elected officials and the appointment of a Sole Administrator affect the day-to-day governance and security in the state?
- Can efforts be made to restore trust in the democratic process and ensure that state interventions are both legal and transparent?
As debates continue, stakeholders across the country are closely watching how these tensions will be resolved. The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group has called for independent investigations into all allegations of militancy and for an immediate cessation of politically motivated hostilities.
Conclusion
The recent report by the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group challenges the narrative used to justify the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State. By dismantling the claims against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, it highlights the dangers of allowing politically motivated accusations to drive federal intervention. As Nigeria grapples with these issues, many are urging a return to constitutional principles and a focus on addressing the underlying causes of insecurity in the Niger Delta.
For now, the debate over the legitimacy of Tinubu’s emergency measures and the future of Rivers State remains open, leaving both citizens and political leaders to ponder the true cost of power struggles in a fragile democracy.
