Chisom Gbali, the suspended Commissioner for Youth in Rivers State, has raised serious concerns regarding an alleged effort to prolong the ongoing emergency rule in the state, claiming that the move is part of a broader political agenda to undermine the current administration. During a Monday interview with AriseTV, Gbali suggested that the extension of the emergency rule was strategically timed to create turmoil before the current six-month period expires.
Gbali indicated that the plan involves inciting instability, which would prompt President Bola Tinubu to take further action. He expressed fears that this could lead to the termination of the administration in Rivers State. “There is a concerted effort to extend it. Before the six months end, they are planning to stir up issues that will force the President to make another proclamation, which could bring about the end of the administration,” he stated.
The former commissioner further pointed to subtle political tactics being employed, emphasizing the importance of analyzing the political “body language” in the state. He suggested that certain actions—such as sidelining existing projects and altering the state budget—are indicative of a scheme to destabilize the government. “In politics, what often matters is body language. If you observe carefully, you’ll notice the intentions—disregarding current projects and attempting to push through a new budget. It’s telling, especially when someone assigned to bring peace is instead pushing to install sole administrators at the local government level,” Gbali added.
Gbali accused Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of Rivers State, of orchestrating these plans. He pointed to Wike’s network of allies, including former local government chairmen and state assembly members, who he claims are not at ease with the progress made by the current administration. “These individuals are not comfortable with the success of the governor and are working to distort the administration’s efforts,” Gbali said.
In addition to his accusations against Wike, Gbali expressed his disappointment with President Tinubu’s involvement in the Rivers State crisis. He argued that the president should be focused on more urgent national matters, particularly given the ongoing challenges in other regions of the country. Gbali pointed out the disparity in governmental responses to crises across the nation, citing the lack of a state of emergency in Plateau State despite the widespread loss of life there.
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“The issues surrounding Rivers State are politically motivated with an eye on 2027, and we are surprised that the President is involving himself in such matters when there are more pressing concerns nationwide,” he remarked. “In Plateau State, people are dying daily, yet no state of emergency has been declared. In Rivers, where no one has been harmed, an emergency was imposed. This is why there is a growing call for the President to reconsider his decision.”
Gbali’s statements have intensified the ongoing debate over the future of the emergency rule in Rivers State, with many questioning the political motives behind the intervention and calling for a reassessment of the situation.
