The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restoring democratic governance in Rivers State following the lifting of emergency rule earlier imposed on the state.
Wike, a former governor of the oil-rich state, said Tinubu’s action had reaffirmed his commitment to peace, stability, and the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister said Tinubu’s intervention saved Rivers State from sliding further into political turmoil.
“The President’s decision has further restored the confidence of Rivers people in his leadership,” Wike said.
He also commended residents of the state for standing by the President, adding that their continued support would enable Tinubu to “return the country to the path of progress and development.”
Wike, however, warned those he described as “troublemakers and fifth columnists” against attempting to exploit political tensions in the state.
Read Also:
- Wike’s land fines: A dangerous precedent of executive overreach, judicial bypass
- APC explains decision to give up 3 LGs, urges Wike to join party
- Nwuche rallies stakeholders support for Tinubu, Wike
“From Rivers State going forward, the only news that will emanate will be that of peace, progress and development,” he declared.
The emergency rule in Rivers, declared by Tinubu in August after escalating political violence and a breakdown of governance, sparked widespread controversy. Opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had described the move as unconstitutional and accused the President of overstepping his powers.
Tinubu’s reversal on Tuesday followed weeks of political consultations and mounting criticism from civil society groups, lawyers, and opposition voices who argued that the imposition of emergency rule was an attack on democracy.
