Bloodshed Averted! Onanuga Reveals Why Tinubu Threatened State OF Emergency In Rivers

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Tinubu suspended Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly due to the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state. In their place, he appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator.

Speaking on ARISE Television’s ‘Prime Time,’ Onanuga criticized Nigerians for reacting impulsively to issues without thorough reflection. He argued that Tinubu’s intervention was necessary to prevent the impeachment of Governor Fubara, which could have led to widespread violence.

He explained, “Many Nigerians react impulsively to events without careful thought. If President Bola Tinubu had not intervened in Rivers, the situation could have escalated into something far worse.”

Onanuga further emphasized the critical role Rivers State plays in the nation’s economy, describing it as the “oxygen of the country.” He warned that allowing the political turmoil to spiral out of control could have had devastating consequences.

“The Legislature was set to impeach the governor, while Fubara insisted on presenting his budget. The state was already on the brink of chaos. If the impeachment had gone through, Rivers might have descended into bloodshed. On the very day the emergency was declared, there were attacks on our pipelines,” he said.

He clarified that Tinubu’s move was not about removing officials from office but rather a temporary measure to restore stability, stating, “The President suspended, not removed, and it was for the good of the country.”