In a shocking development, it has come to light that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This bold move raises significant concerns, prompting me to question the motivations behind such a decision. Who advised the President to take this course of action? The advisor must not be a friend of his administration nor possess Nigeria’s best interests at heart.
It is bewildering to consider that the President would step into a volatile situation with full awareness of its implications. This decision appears to be the handiwork of fifth columnists, as the Bola Tinubu I once knew would never make such a reckless choice.
What purpose does this serve? This matter is a political dispute that requires a straightforward resolution. The President should gather the key figures involved, engage in dialogue, and provide a clear directive. After all, one of them is his own appointee. What benefit could possibly arise from losing Wike while jeopardizing the entire Nigerian economy?
The Dangerous Economic Implications of This Decision
It is crucial to recognize the historical context: the Niger Delta crisis has previously plunged Nigeria into recession under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. At one point, oil production in Nigeria plummeted to below 400,000 barrels per day, a drastic fall from 2.5 million barrels due to political mismanagement and conflict in the region.
Years of arduous efforts were invested in stabilizing the area, halting the sabotage of oil infrastructure, and restoring production levels. I am acutely aware of the challenges involved in this process. This current decision threatens to unravel that progress.
If tensions escalate, we risk another shutdown of essential oil production facilities, renewed pipeline sabotage, illegal oil bunkering, and increased militant activities. The potential for another economic downturn looms large—especially considering Nigeria’s current vulnerabilities. The global oil market is unforgiving; investors will not wait for internal political conflicts to resolve—they will take their capital elsewhere.
Mr. President, this situation extends beyond Rivers State; it is a matter of Nigeria’s economic survival.
And What About the Soldiers Fighting to Keep Nigeria Safe?
As we focus on escalating political conflicts in Rivers State, thousands of Nigerian soldiers are engaged in life-and-death battles against insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers in the North East, North West, and North Central regions. These are the real emergencies demanding decisive leadership.
Our armed forces are stretched thin, tirelessly combating terrorists and criminal networks. They do not require another crisis to divert resources and attention from their essential mission.
Nigeria cannot afford to engage in battles on multiple fronts—politically, economically, and militarily. Mr. President, do not create a new war front in Rivers State while real conflicts rage elsewhere.
This Is Not the Way to Manage This Crisis, Mr. President
This decision signals disaster for your administration, the economy, and the nation as a whole. Declaring a state of emergency is not a strategy; it is an admission of failure. There are far more effective and less destructive ways to address this situation.
I urge you, Mr. President, to reconsider this decision before irreparable damage is inflicted.
This statement has been issued by Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, CON, and can be found in Newspot Nigeria.
