Political Instability in Rivers State: A Threat to Nigerian…

Nigeria faces heightened tensions following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending its elected officials. Legal and political experts criticize this move, equating it with actions taken by military juntas in neighboring countries. Observations suggest that political instability could deter foreign investment and exacerbate regional unrest, particularly among marginalized communities like the Ijaw.

Currently, Nigeria is experiencing significant tension, particularly following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This action involved the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly for six months. The response among Nigerians has raised concerns that Nigeria may be mimicking the military interventions seen in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, questioning the future of democracy in the nation.

Legal experts and the Nigerian Bar Association have strongly condemned President Tinubu’s actions, asserting that it was unlawful to suspend a democratically elected government due to internal conflicts. The appointment of a retired naval chief, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as the new head of Rivers State has further fueled allegations of an undemocratic approach.

There is a prevailing belief that Nigeria must strive for political solutions to internal disputes without military interventions, especially since democracy is purported to be firmly established. Concerns grow that Nigeria’s recent actions may inadvertently legitimize the military juntas in neighboring countries, which have previously faced condemnation from the Nigerian government and ECOWAS.

The response to the military coups in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso includes strong stances from ECOWAS, led by President Tinubu, which emphasizes a return to civilian rule. Notably, the juntas justify their actions by claiming that previous leaders affiliated with Western interests harmed their nations’ progress, actively calling out perceived foreign exploitation of their resources.

The outlook for Rivers State appears grim, as the declaration of a state of emergency may exacerbate existing tensions rather than resolve them. Observers note that the absence of effective governance during this period, coupled with the lack of accountability from the primary crisis instigator, Nyesom Wike, could lead to long-term instability.

Potential repercussions for Nigeria include diminished foreign investment as the unrest highlights political instability, deterring investors crucial for revitalizing the economy. Additionally, concerns over a return to violent disruptions in the Niger Delta due to a lack of conciliatory measures are raising alarms.

The Ijaw community in Rivers has voiced their longstanding grievances of marginalization in governance, emphasizing their limited representation in leadership roles despite being a prominent ethnic group in the region. The recent Supreme Court ruling restricting their access to federal funds has been viewed as further economic marginalization.

Historically, political turmoil in Rivers has led to severe consequences for oil production capacity, which Nigeria can ill-afford amidst ongoing issues with crude oil theft. President Tinubu’s investment efforts may fall short without a conducive economic environment for potential investors amid ongoing instability.

In conclusion, the political climate in Rivers State, marked by the declaration of a state of emergency, raises serious concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria and its implications for governance and investment. The central need is to foster a stable political environment that prioritizes dialogue and cooperation, ensuring that economic opportunities can be realized without the specter of political violence.

The situation in Rivers State underscores the precarious balance of governance and stability in Nigeria. The suspension of democratic processes in favor of military actions threatens to erode public trust and investor confidence. For Nigeria’s economy to grow and attract foreign investors, the government must prioritize political stability and address the underlying grievances of marginalized communities, promoting a more inclusive political discourse that aligns with democratic values.

Original Source: businessday.ng