A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has condemned the Rivers State emergency rule, saying Nigerians failed to act while democratic governance collapsed in the state.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Eze expressed disappointment that citizens remained silent as constitutional order broke down. He argued that the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara was not about governance but a political battle between the Federal Government and one individual who lacked control over state security.
Fubara Returns After Six-Month Suspension
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, suspended by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025, returned to office on Wednesday. He resumed duties on Thursday after six months of political tension and uncertainty.
Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), urged Fubara to focus on service delivery. He said Rivers people still trust his sincerity and expect him to prioritize their welfare.
“Service to the people should be his top priority,” Eze said. “Any deal that does not benefit the people must give way to his constitutional duty of accountability.”
Citizens’ Silence Weakens Democracy
Eze accused Nigerians of betraying democracy by watching silently as the Rivers State emergency rule unfolded. He warned that such indifference would only embolden politicians to undermine constitutional order.
“The silence of Governor Fubara is understandable,” he explained. “The Federal Government controls the security architecture, leaving him helpless. But Nigerians should not have allowed these illegalities to thrive unchallenged.”
Tinubu and Wike Face Criticism
Eze also criticized President Bola Tinubu and former Governor Nyesom Wike. He accused them of committing “unforgivable sins” against Rivers State and its people.
He warned that unless Nigerians actively defend democracy, Rivers State and the nation risk deeper political instability.
