Rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has shared his views on the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, saying he welcomes the move—not out of political alignment, but as a potential catalyst for wider civic awakening in the country.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, Sowore said the situation may push Nigerians to question the existing political structure and demand a fundamental transformation.
“To be clear, I am not here to defend godfather and son. I don’t care about them. I hope they destroy themselves,” he said, in reference to the political tussle in Rivers State.
President Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers and suspended all democratically elected authorities in the state. The move has since drawn widespread criticism from civil society groups and political stakeholders across the country.
On Wednesday, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.) was sworn in as the sole administrator of the state, following the president’s directive.
Reacting to the development, Sowore said the ongoing crisis could ignite a broader national movement for justice and political reform.
“I am happy because maybe this is going to force Nigerians across the country to wake up. They have been too complicit, too docile as a result of cowardice,” he said.
“It will force Nigerians to complete the 30-day challenge and move on to the stage where there will be complete revolt. That is not me saying I love anarchy, but I love justice,” he added.