Actor and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused President Bola Tinubu of instigating the political crisis in Rivers State which culminated in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and state lawmakers for six months.
Okonkwo made the allegation during an appearance on Channels Television on Monday.
Recall that Fubara resumed office on Friday after months of suspension, during which Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) served as the sole administrator.
When asked about Fubara’s conduct since his reinstatement and speculation that the governor may have accepted conditions that could prevent him from seeking a second term, Okonkwo said:
“Well, the governor has said before now, that he can do anything for peace. So this is not the first time he’s saying it. He’s simply reiterating it. And the governor, even after the Supreme Court judgment, still said the same thing. He will abide by every word, every decision of the Supreme Court. And he started immediately abiding by it. Why the declaration of the state of emergency in the first place?”
He questioned the justification for the emergency rule, noting that there was no breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.
“Because there was no crisis in the vast state. What you had was political lockdown. The constitution made it clear that the breakdown of law and order that would require state of emergency is such that requires extraordinary measure in order to restore peace and security. What was it in Rivers state that required extraordinary measure? 500 persons were roasted in Benue state. The president did not think there was need for extraordinary measure.
“Boko Haram has been liquidating our officers and citizens of Nigeria. The president did not think there was a need for extraordinary measure. More than 500 persons died of natural disaster in Niger state. The president did not think there was need for extraordinary measure. And in Rivers State, where there was no crisis, there was no political riots, there was nothing. And then you declare state of emergency. This is what is more annoying about this, that the president is using Supreme Court judgment to even talk about state of emergency.”
Okonkwo further described the move as political manipulation.
“That is bewitchment. APC has upgraded from deceiving people through lies to bewitching people through enchantment. Now let me say it this way. Supreme Court judgment is meant to resolve disputes.
“And Supreme Court judgment has resolved the disputes by declaring the civil rights and obligation of the Governor and the House of Assembly members. And the Governor and every party said they will abide by it.
“So how can you use the same Supreme Court judgment to initiate crisis in Rivers state? It was President Tinubu that initiated the crisis. There was none. There was peace. How many people we are killing? How many people we are maimed? I mean, I understand that.”