Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State amid an ongoing political crisis that has resulted in the bombing of pipeline infrastructure. Atiku described the move as politically motivated and a sign of bad faith.
Atiku accused President Tinubu of being a “partisan actor” in the political turmoil gripping Rivers State, holding him responsible for the escalating crisis. His remarks came shortly after the president announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state House of Assembly during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
In his address, President Tinubu expressed concern over the political instability in Rivers State, stating, “I am deeply troubled by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been paralyzed, and its people have been denied effective governance. Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains in ruins. Despite numerous interventions, including my own, the situation has not improved. As a responsible leader, I cannot stand idly by. To restore order and good governance, I have no choice but to declare a state of emergency. Consequently, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended.”
In response, Atiku condemned the president’s handling of the crisis, accusing him of failing to prevent its escalation. “Anyone closely following the situation in Rivers knows that Bola Tinubu has been deeply involved in the political turmoil as a partisan player. His failure to act decisively to prevent this crisis is shameful,” Atiku stated.
He further argued that the security breaches and destruction of national infrastructure in Rivers State are ultimately the responsibility of the president. “Tinubu cannot escape accountability for the chaos his administration has either allowed or failed to address,” Atiku added.
The former vice president also criticized the president for the resurgence of unrest in the Niger Delta region, linking it to the bombing of pipeline infrastructure. “It is an inexcusable failure that under Tinubu’s leadership, the Niger Delta has been plunged back into violence and instability, reversing the progress achieved during the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s tenure. Years of peace-building have been recklessly undermined for political gain,” Atiku said.
He concluded by asserting that the president must take full responsibility for the damage to federal infrastructure in Rivers State. “Punishing the people of Rivers State to settle political scores between the governor and Tinubu’s allies in the federal government is an attack on democracy and must be strongly condemned,” Atiku emphasized.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked widespread debate, with critics accusing the federal government of overreach and others supporting the move as necessary to restore stability. The situation remains tense as stakeholders await further developments.
