Leadership Failure? Rivers PDP Chair Ewor Laments Administrator’s Inactivity

Ewor also dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it lacked constitutional backing. Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Wednesday, he claimed that the real cause of the crisis in the state was former Governor Nyesom Wike’s alleged attempt to control Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as well as the state’s resources and political structures.

He insisted that none of the constitutional conditions required for a state of emergency were present in Rivers, questioning the legal basis of the President’s decision.

“As a party, as a people, as citizens of the state, we strongly oppose the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. Section 305 of the Constitution clearly outlines the conditions under which such a declaration can be made—war, imminent danger, or a total breakdown of law and order. None of these conditions apply to Rivers State,” Ewor stated.

The Root of the Rivers State Crisis

Ewor alleged that Wike, who played a key role in Fubara’s election, as well as in the election of state and federal lawmakers, was seeking complete dominance over the state’s governance and political structure. He argued that the President had failed to understand the real issue, despite having access to intelligence reports.

“The crisis in Rivers State is a result of Wike’s insistence on controlling the governor, the political structure, and the state’s resources. The President should have realized by now that this is merely a power struggle between a former governor and the current governor, not a security crisis,” he said.

According to him, Wike maintains influence over the majority of state lawmakers, House of Representatives members, and senators from Rivers State, leaving Fubara politically isolated.

Ibas Has No Work to Do in Rivers

Ewor further criticized the role of the sole administrator, arguing that there was no crisis warranting his intervention. He claimed that security operatives deployed since the state of emergency was declared had no real tasks to carry out.

“Rivers State is peaceful. What exactly is the sole administrator doing? He is making political appointments, replacing government officials, and reviewing local government activities—none of which align with an actual state of emergency. There are no military or police operations anywhere in the state to suggest an emergency exists,” he asserted.

He also questioned whether the President had the constitutional right to remove Governor Fubara under the pretext of an emergency, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent.