“What Will It Benefit You to Keep Wike and Lose the Nigerian Economy?” – Ojudu Blasts Tinubu Over Rivers Emergency

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State has been met with sharp condemnation from former federal lawmaker, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who described the move as reckless and potentially disastrous for Nigeria’s economy and security.

In a strongly worded statement issued shortly after the President’s nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, Ojudu expressed deep concern over the rationale behind the emergency declaration, warning that it risks reigniting instability in the oil-rich Niger Delta and derailing years of economic recovery.

Ojudu questioned the wisdom of the move, suggesting it may have been motivated by Tinubu’s loyalty to his ally, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, who is locked in a heated political battle with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. “What will it benefit you, Mr. President, to keep Wike and lose the Nigerian economy?” Ojudu asked, adding that political disputes like this should be resolved through dialogue, not military intervention.

Recalling past crises in the region, Ojudu warned that political mismanagement in the Niger Delta has twice plunged Nigeria into recession under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He noted that oil production had previously fallen from 2.5 million barrels per day to under 400,000 due to conflict, a decline that devastated national revenue. “That catastrophic drop in production was a direct result of political mismanagement and conflict in the region,” he said.

He emphasized that progress made in stabilizing oil infrastructure and restoring production levels could be reversed if the situation in Rivers escalates. “We risk renewed pipeline sabotage, illegal oil bunkering, and militant activities. We risk another economic nosedive—at a time when Nigeria can least afford it.”

Ojudu also voiced concern over the strain this decision could place on Nigeria’s already stretched security forces, who are engaged in critical operations across the North East, North West, and North Central regions. “These are the real emergencies. These are the crises that demand decisive leadership,” he said, urging the President not to divert military resources to a political conflict.

He warned that declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State could open a dangerous new front at a time when Nigeria is already facing multiple crises. “Nigeria cannot afford to be fighting on multiple fronts—politically, economically, and militarily. Mr. President, do not open a new war front in Rivers State while real wars are still raging elsewhere.”

Calling the emergency declaration an “admission of failure,” Ojudu urged Tinubu to immediately reverse course. “There are far more effective, far less destructive ways to handle this situation. I urge you, Mr. President, to rethink this decision before irreparable damage is done.”

The state of emergency follows a prolonged political feud between Governor Fubara and Wike, which has destabilized governance in Rivers State and heightened fears of broader unrest in the Niger Delta—Nigeria’s economic lifeline. Political observers warn that any escalation could severely damage investor confidence and threaten national stability.