Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the representative for Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in Rivers State at the House of Representatives, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara before the six-month emergency rule expires.
He also urged the president to engage the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, to mediate between the conflicting parties in the state and seek a peaceful resolution.
Abiante made these remarks during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political program aired on Channels Television.
On March 18, 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, he appointed former naval chief, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.), as the state’s sole administrator. The president cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for his decision, stating that the escalating political tensions in Rivers necessitated immediate intervention. His decision was later ratified by the National Assembly in a controversial voice vote.
The suspension of Fubara and other elected officials has drawn widespread condemnation from prominent Nigerians, legal experts, and political groups. Figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Femi Falana, along with organizations like the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigerian Bar Association, and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have all rejected the move.
Questions Over Intelligence Reports
Abiante expressed concerns about the intelligence Tinubu relied on to justify the emergency rule, suggesting that it may have been manipulated. He challenged claims that Fubara failed to rebuild the demolished chambers of the Rivers State House of Assembly, pointing out that the newly appointed sole administrator had already inspected the reconstruction efforts initiated by Fubara.
He also dismissed allegations of pipeline sabotage, noting that the affected pipeline was already operational again.
“If intelligence reports presented to the president were rigged, then we are facing a serious problem as a country,” he stated.
Abiante proposed that the National Peace Committee, which includes respected figures such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad III, be allowed to mediate in the crisis. He argued that Abdulsalami’s track record of upholding democracy made him a suitable mediator.
“This issue should not be allowed to drag on for six months. If left unresolved, it could escalate tensions between Nigerians,” he warned.
The lawmaker also emphasized Rivers State’s significant contribution to the national economy, urging the president to consider the political implications of his actions.
“The people of Rivers State supported Tinubu with their votes. It wasn’t just the effort of one individual. No single person can control an entire state’s voting outcome,” he added.
Criticism of the Opposition’s Silence
Also speaking on the program, policy advisor Baba Yusuf criticized opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly for failing to resist the emergency rule. He argued that the legislature had a duty to uphold democracy and check executive overreach.
“The president can take any decision, but it is the responsibility of the National Assembly to act as a safeguard against such actions. Unfortunately, the opposition has lost its voice,” Yusuf said.
Social commentator Dayo Akintobi echoed similar sentiments, questioning why opposition lawmakers failed to make their dissent known.
“The Constitution was never designed to give a president unchecked power to override the democratic process. Declaring a state of emergency and suspending an elected governor is an overreach,” he said.
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