Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers State, condemning former President Goodluck Jonathan’s criticism of the move.
Okpebholo labeled Jonathan as indecisive during his presidency, highlighting that Tinubu’s proactive action had saved Nigeria’s economy from further decline.
Speaking at the launch of the Benin-Auchi road project, Okpebholo said, “The man criticising President Tinubu did not take a similar step when he heard that they were going to kidnap the Chibok girls in 2014. It is better for a President to be proactive. The single decision taken by President Tinubu saved the economy of Nigeria.”
Jonathan had previously described the emergency declaration as an abuse of power, adding, “The executive, legislature, and the judiciary know the correct thing to do but they are refusing to do it.”
Okpebholo, who has consistently supported the emergency rule, stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the Niger Delta. He pointed out that when militant attacks crippled oil production in the region, it was crucial for the President to act decisively.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Mohammed Idris defended the declaration, assuring the public that it was in the best interest of Rivers State. Idris stated, “The president has no intention whatsoever to take over the governance of Rivers State… he acted in the best interest of the people.”
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga also backed Tinubu’s intervention, saying that without the emergency declaration, Rivers could have descended into chaos, affecting both governance and the economy.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was temporarily suspended following the declaration, made his first public appearance since the suspension at a church service in Port Harcourt, dousing rumors about his whereabouts.
The unfolding political situation in Rivers remains tense, but with the federal intervention, stakeholders hope for a return to peace and stability.