AMAECHI CLAIMS RIVERS CRISIS ROOTED IN “MONEY SHARING,” CONDEMNS EMERGENCY RULE –

Former Governor Labels Tinubu’s Intervention “Unconstitutional,” Urges Public Resistance.
Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has attributed the ongoing political crisis between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to financial interests rather than governance principles.
Speaking during an interview with DW Africa on Saturday, Amaechi described the feud as a dispute over “sharing money,” while questioning why neither party has publicly explained the true nature of their disagreement.
“The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel? Can both of them speak to the public and tell us what the problem is?” Amaechi challenged.
The former Transportation Minister also launched a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent.
“We are now denied democracy. Rivers State is the only state in the country currently not enjoying democracy. They have imposed military rule on us,” Amaechi stated, arguing that Section 188 of the Constitution only permits a governor’s removal through death, resignation, or impeachment—not by presidential decree.
Amaechi suggested political motivations behind the President’s actions, claiming Tinubu was attempting to intimidate governors ahead of the 2027 elections. “Rumours are everywhere that if any governor is not careful, the president will remove you. So the Rivers issue is about sharing money and 2027 politics,” he alleged.
The former governor questioned the justification for emergency rule based on pipeline explosions, pointing out that regions facing more severe security challenges haven’t received similar treatment. “The governor has no responsibility for the blown pipes in Rivers. Security responsibility rests solely on the President,” Amaechi emphasized.
The political impasse escalated following disputed local government elections last week, with both the APC faction led by Tony Okocha and the PDP under Aaron Chukwuemeka—groups aligned with Wike—boycotting the polls.
President Tinubu subsequently suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduan, and all elected state lawmakers for six months, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as Administrator.
The judicial arm of Rivers State remains unaffected by the emergency declaration..