REVEALED: The Real Reason Tinubu Suspended Fubara Amid Rivers Crisis

The Presidency has hit back at critics who claim the recent suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a ploy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seize control of the oil-rich state. The federal government insists that Tinubu's intervention was necessary to prevent a total collapse of governance and escalating violence in the state.

In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, March 23, 2025, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, defended Tinubu's controversial move, stating that intelligence reports indicated a looming security threat, including plans by militants to sabotage vital oil facilities in the Niger Delta.

The crisis in Rivers State, which stems from a long-standing feud between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had paralyzed governance. The situation worsened despite Supreme Court rulings affirming constitutional order, as both factions refused to back down.

Onanuga stated, "Imagine a Rivers State where President Tinubu hesitated. The political standoff could have spiraled into violence, with attacks on lawmakers and the state's vital oil infrastructure at risk. Schools and hospitals would shut down, investors would flee, and the human and economic toll would be catastrophic.ÔÇØ

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The Presidency argues that by March 18, the crisis had deteriorated beyond political resolution, making decisive intervention unavoidable. The Nigerian Constitution (Section 305) grants the President emergency powers in cases of security and governance breakdown, a precedent previously seen in Plateau and Borno States.

Many opposition figures have slammed Tinubu's move as a blatant assault on democracy. However, the Presidency maintains that the six-month suspension of Fubara and key political actors is a temporary reset, not an attempt to install a puppet administration.

"This is no power grab,ÔÇØ Onanuga emphasized. "The intervention is temporary, surgical, and aimed at restoring-not replacing-democratic institutions. The six-month suspension is designed to disarm warring factions and stabilize governance.ÔÇØ

The statement also accused critics of hypocrisy, noting that many of those now condemning Tinubu were silent when Fubara allegedly sidelined the State House of Assembly and refused to engage in lawful governance processes.

To ensure a smooth transition, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Rtd.) as the Administrator of Rivers State. One of his first moves was to meet with traditional rulers and other key stakeholders to forge a path toward lasting peace.

"The President's oath demands that he must safeguard national stability, not watch idly as partisan strife strangles our democracy. Rivers is a vital economic artery, and any politically motivated disruption in its oil industry has nationwide consequences,ÔÇØ the statement asserted.

The Presidency reassured Nigerians that the state of emergency would be lifted once stability is achieved, allowing elected officials to resume their duties.

Quoting 18th-century philosopher Edmund Burke, the statement declared: "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.ÔÇØ

It concluded with a direct message to critics: "President Tinubu chose courage over complacency. His action prioritized Nigeria's interests over political expediency, averting a deeper crisis. To those calling him a 'tyrant,' ask yourselves-what democracy prospers in chaos? The calm in Rivers today vindicates the President's decision. He deserves commendation, not condemnation.ÔÇØ

https://youtu.be/mPxxwc0iZNw