Abuja, Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State continues to generate widespread debate, with legal expert and rights activist Chidi Anselm Odinkalu raising concerns about the role of the judiciary and the selective handling of political cases. Odinkalu argues that the crisis in Rivers is largely politically manufactured and warns that the federal government may be stretching its security resources too thin in an attempt to justify its intervention.
Odinkalu, a former chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, took to social media to condemn what he sees as a deliberate move to destabilize the Niger Delta. In his statement, he criticized President Tinubu and former governor Nyesom Wike, stating:
“In a country already maxed out on military deployment for internal security operations, @officialABAT & #GreedyGlutton, @GovWike, are clearly edging the #NigerDelta to what will be an invented crisis of entirely their own making.”
His remarks suggest that the state of emergency is not solely a response to genuine governance or security concerns but rather a politically motivated effort to consolidate power. The comment also implies that Wike, now a key ally of the federal government, may have played a significant role in fueling the crisis to his advantage.
Odinkalu also highlighted the judiciary’s inconsistent approach in adjudicating political disputes linked to the Rivers State crisis. He pointed out that the courts have moved swiftly to rule on cases that benefit Wike and his allies, while seemingly delaying judgments on critical issues, particularly the defection of the 27 lawmakers from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
- Fast-Tracked Cases: Legal proceedings related to Wike and his camp have been handled with urgency, reinforcing the perception that the judicial system is being manipulated for political ends.
- Pending Cases: The defection of 27 lawmakers from PDP to APC remains unresolved by the courts, creating a legal loophole that allows them to operate in a state of uncertainty.
Odinkalu’s concerns reflect a broader worry about the politicization of the judiciary, where certain cases receive priority while others remain stalled indefinitely.
The crisis in Rivers State began with a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Despite both men being from the PDP, Wike has shifted his allegiance toward the ruling APC, fueling political tensions in the state.
President Tinubu justified the state of emergency by citing:
- The demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly in December 2023 by Governor Fubara.
- Legislative deadlock preventing governance from functioning.
- Reports of militant activities and pipeline vandalization without government intervention.
- A Supreme Court ruling declaring the government dysfunctional.
However, critics argue that Tinubu’s administration has selectively applied its authority, with Wike and his allies benefiting from expedited legal processes, while opponents face prolonged uncertainty.
The state of emergency and the political power play in Rivers raise significant concerns about the future of democracy in Nigeria. Observers warn that:
- Selective justice undermines trust in the judiciary and weakens democratic institutions.
- Federal overreach in state matters could set a dangerous precedent for future political crises.
- Militarization of internal disputes might escalate conflicts rather than resolve them.
More Read
As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the judiciary, the National Assembly, and the Rivers political actors. Will the courts finally rule on the 27 defected lawmakers, or will selective justice continue to fuel suspicions of political interference? And will the state of emergency truly restore order, or is it a stepping stone for deeper federal control?
The coming weeks will determine whether this crisis is resolved democratically—or whether Rivers State becomes another flashpoint in Nigeria’s turbulent political landscape.
