Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State, a senior government official serving in Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration has raised alarming concerns over what he describes as a coordinated effort to extend the recently imposed state of emergency beyond its constitutional limits.
Speaking under condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the allegations, the commissioner told KIIN360 that certain political forces are working behind the scenes to prolong the emergency measures, which were initially implemented to address the deteriorating security situation in the state.
“We have credible intelligence suggesting that some powerful interests are orchestrating plans to maintain the state of emergency indefinitely,” the commissioner revealed during an exclusive interview. “This appears to be part of a broader strategy to undermine the democratically elected government of Governor Fubara.”
The allegations come amid an already tense political climate in Rivers State, where a protracted power struggle has pitted Governor Fubara against his predecessor and former political ally. The emergency rule, initially welcomed as a necessary measure to restore order, is now being viewed with increasing suspicion by members of the state executive council.
Political analysts observing the situation note that extending emergency powers could potentially shift the balance of authority in the state, with federal agencies gaining unprecedented control over local governance structures. This development has raised constitutional questions about the limits of emergency declarations and their impact on Nigeria’s federal system.
Civil society organizations in the state have expressed concern about the implications for democratic governance, with several groups calling for transparency in the management of the emergency situation. “Any extension must follow due process and be justified by genuine security concerns, not political calculations,” said a prominent civil rights activist in Port Harcourt.
The federal government has yet to respond officially to these allegations, while security agencies continue to maintain a visible presence across key locations in the state capital and surrounding local government areas.
As tensions continue to build, residents of Rivers State remain caught in the middle of what increasingly appears to be a high-stakes political chess game, with significant implications for governance, security, and the economic stability of one of Nigeria’s most critical states.
