Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has claimed that the ongoing political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is primarily about the sharing of state funds.
Amaechi, who also served as Minister of Transport in the Buhari administration, made this assertion in an interview with DW Africa on Saturday, March 29. He criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional.
“The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel?” Amaechi questioned. “Nigerians don’t seem to challenge corruption anymore. I’ve not seen anyone on the streets asking what the real issue is. Can both of them speak openly and tell us what the problem is?”
He further alleged that the current situation in Rivers State has deprived its people of democracy, arguing that the emergency rule imposed by the federal government equates to military control.
“Rivers State is the only state in the country currently not enjoying democracy. The President acted outside the Constitution. Section 188 clearly outlines how a governor can leave office—by death, resignation, or impeachment. Nowhere does it say the President can simply remove a governor at will,” Amaechi stated.
He also suggested that President Tinubu’s involvement in the Rivers crisis is politically motivated, particularly with the 2027 general election in view.
“There are rumours that if any governor does not align with the President, he could be removed. So, this issue in Rivers is not just about money; it’s also about 2027 politics,” he alleged.
Amaechi questioned the justification for the emergency rule, arguing that security concerns in Rivers State were not worse than in other parts of the country.
“If the President is citing a pipeline explosion as the reason for declaring Rivers unstable, what about other regions grappling with insecurity? There are persistent security issues in the North East, North West, South East, and South-South. Does this mean emergency rule should be declared in those places too?”
He insisted that security matters are the sole responsibility of the President and that Governor Fubara should not be blamed for incidents beyond his control.
“The governor has no responsibility for the blown pipeline. Security is under the President’s jurisdiction. Why then is Fubara being punished for an issue he did not cause?” Amaechi questioned.