Port Harcourt – Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure has condemned what he describes as Nigeria’s passive response to the political turmoil that engulfed Rivers State, characterizing the situation as an assault on democratic governance.
Chukwuemeka Eze, a veteran political leader and former National Publicity Secretary of the now-defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), issued sharp criticism regarding the six-month suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu.
The governor was officially reinstated on Wednesday and resumes his duties Thursday, ending a prolonged political standoff that had effectively paralyzed state operations.
Concerns Over Democratic Erosion
Speaking from Port Harcourt, Eze expressed deep concern about what he termed the Nigerian public’s “deafening silence” during the crisis. He argued that citizens’ failure to respond to what he called “illegalities” in Rivers State represents a dangerous precedent for the country’s democratic framework.
“Nigerians watched and did nothing, allowing the emergency rule and suspension of democratic governance in Rivers State to happen successfully,” Eze stated, warning that continued public apathy could severely damage Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The APC chieftain characterized the conflict as fundamentally unequal, describing it as “a fight between the Federal Government and an individual” – referring to Governor Fubara’s position during the suspension period when he had “no control over any state apparatus, particularly the security architecture.”
Path Forward for Rivers State
Despite his criticism of the crisis handling, Eze emphasized the importance of focusing on Rivers State’s future development. He called on the reinstated governor to prioritize service delivery and maintain his commitment to state development initiatives.
“The Governor upon his return must prioritize the development of the state, which he has always pursued with zeal,” Eze noted, adding that Rivers residents continue to have confidence in the administration’s integrity.
However, he issued a caveat regarding any agreements made during the resolution process, stating that “any agreement that does not serve the interest of the people which the Governor was made to sign must be subject to the mandate to provide service and be accountable to the people.”
Political Accountability Questioned
In particularly strong language, Eze directed criticism at both President Tinubu and former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, declaring that “the sins that Tinubu and Wike have committed against Rivers State and her people are unforgivable.”
The statement reflects ongoing tensions in Rivers State politics, where complex relationships between federal authorities, former governors, and current leadership have created persistent instability.
Eze acknowledged that Governor Fubara’s restraint during the crisis was “understandable” given the power dynamics at play, noting the governor’s limited ability to respond while lacking control over key state institutions.
The political leader’s comments highlight broader concerns about federal-state relations in Nigeria and the mechanisms available for resolving political disputes without disrupting governance and public services.
