Your Excellencies,

Nigeria finds itself in yet another avoidable crisis, this time centered around Rivers State, a region vital to the country’s economic and political landscape. To his credit, President Bola Tinubu stepped in at a moment when tensions were escalating dangerously, with political discord threatening to spill over into full-scale unrest. Given the volatility of the situation, his decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers—suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers—may have been driven by the need to prevent an immediate breakdown of law and order. However, while this intervention may have temporarily calmed rising tensions, it has also deepened national anxiety and raised serious questions about the federal government’s role in the crisis.

Officially, the justification for this action is security concerns and pipeline vandalism, but the Nigerian people are not deceived. While the security of vital infrastructure is an important national concern, the core of the Rivers crisis is not merely about lawlessness or economic sabotage—it is a battle for political control, one that has been intensifying since Minister Nyesom Wike refused to relinquish his grip on the state he once governed. The silence of the federal government regarding Wike’s disruptive influence, paired with the forceful sidelining of Fubara, has sent a troubling message: powerful political figures are protected at all costs, while elected leaders who refuse to bow are removed under the guise of stability.

The Burden of Public Perception and the Shadow of One Man

Mr. President, except for the Speaker of the House, you, Senate President Akpabio, and Minister Wike have openly positioned yourselves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This is not a whispered conspiracy or a baseless accusation; it is the painful public perception, one that has deeply settled in the minds of Nigerians. It is what people see, what they feel, and what they are struggling to understand.

Even in your emergency address, a moment that could have reassured Nigerians and reinforced balance in governance, you placed the weight of responsibility on this quiet, cool-headed governor, a man who—by all indications—has tried to steady the ship amid the turbulent storm that surrounds him.

Not once. Not once did you directly or indirectly acknowledge the root of the crisis—Wike.

What Exactly Does Wike Have On You?

Sir, let’s be real, a therapeutic question must be asked because Nigerians are asking it already:

What does Wike have on you all?

Mr. President, again—what exactly does Wike have on you? This is not a rhetorical question, sir. Nigerians are perplexed, confused, even entertained at this point because no man should be this politically untouchable unless he holds something deeper than we can see.

Is it God, juju, or secrets buried too deep to reveal? Because, let’s be honest, no man can consume you—unless you allow him to. But right now, the message being sent is louder than any press statement or emergency declaration:

You can hit Fubara, but you won’t touch Wike.

This has become more than a leadership issue—it is now a test of your authority. And the message it sends? That one man sits above even you, Mr. President.

The People Are Watching—Hit Him or Prove You Are Under Him

Nigerians are watching, and they are speaking loudly:

“Deal with Wike, unless he has something on you. And even if he does, for God’s sake, hit him one way or another for balance.”

You came into power as a man who takes bold action, who moves without fear—so why does it seem that Wike is an exception to that rule?

If you can hit Fubara, suspend lawmakers, and declare an emergency, then for balance, hit Wike. Prove you are not under his influence. Prove that no man holds sway over you.

Because, Mr. President, if you continue to punish one man while shielding the other, then Nigerians will conclude the truth for themselves: Wike is bigger than the presidency.

And that, sir, is not an image of strength—it is an image of submission.

A Dangerous Precedent That Demands Urgent Correction

At a time when Nigeria should be strengthening its democratic institutions, ensuring that elected officials are protected from undue political interference, and reinforcing the autonomy of state governments, this crisis has instead revealed a deep contradiction in how power is managed.

The people of Rivers—and indeed, Nigerians as a whole—are watching closely. The perception growing across the nation is that this state of emergency was never about protecting Rivers—it was about protecting Wike’s influence.

And this is a dangerous precedent—one that must be urgently corrected with balanced leadership.

If the government’s true aim is fairness and stability, then justice must be applied equally.

If Governor Fubara is to be reprimanded, then Wike must not walk untouched.

Mr. President, hit Wike the way you hit Fubara—or prove to Nigerians that you are under his control. The choice is yours, but the people have already made up their minds.

MILITARY OCCUPATION: A TEMPORARY FIX WITH LASTING CONSEQUENCES

Yes, military occupation under this state of emergency is meant to last six months. Even if extended, one reality remains unchanged: Governor Fubara was elected by the people. And since your declaration, Nigerians have been murmuring, “There Tinubu goes again, helping Wike.” They recall that every time you have intervened in the Rivers crisis, your actions have tilted in favor of Wike, sidelining Fubara. Now, this emergency declaration follows the same pattern—excusing Wike’s excesses while shifting the weight of responsibility elsewhere.

But let’s be realistic. Even with an extended military presence, you cannot control or possibly stop everyone. The population of Rivers State runs in millions, and their growing frustration cannot be silenced by force. Port Harcourt alone is home to millions, many of whom remain loyal to their elected governor. Military occupation may give a temporary sense of control, but it will not erase the people’s will.

History has repeatedly demonstrated that when people feel oppressed, they resist. The psychological burden of political suppression breeds resentment, anger, and, ultimately, defiance. Your administration must understand that governing through force is unsustainable. You cannot rule by intimidation—only by justice, fairness, and respect for democratic choice.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA OF GOVERNANCE BETRAYAL

Leadership extends beyond policies and strategies; it is built on trust, perception, and the emotional state of the people you govern. Right now, the people of Rivers State feel deeply betrayed. This is not just politics—it is psychological trauma on a collective scale.

When people elect a leader, they are not just voting for governance; they are investing their hopes, struggles, and aspirations in someone they believe represents them. The forced sidelining of Fubara is not just a political maneuver—it is an act of disenfranchisement, a direct insult to the very people who voted for him. It sends a chilling message that their voices, choices, and votes are disposable.

The consequence? Mass frustration, suppressed anger, and a growing distrust in the federal government. Nigerians are not naïve. They have watched how this administration has handled Wike—with favor, protection, and indulgence—while Fubara has been repeatedly undermined, isolated, and now forcefully removed. The people see the injustice, and their response will not be silence.

MILITARY FORCE CANNOT HEAL A POLITICAL WOUND

History is filled with lessons about the futility of military intervention in political matters. The use of security forces in Rivers State may create an illusion of control, but even if military presence is extended indefinitely, it will not fix the root cause of the crisis.

Rivers is a state of millions, with Port Harcourt as a political and economic nerve center. The idea that military occupation will pacify an entire population is both unrealistic and dangerous. You can send armed forces to patrol the streets, but you cannot suppress thoughts, emotions, and resistance indefinitely.

When a people feel unheard, they do not simply fade away. They adapt. They resist. They find new ways to express their frustration—through civil disobedience, economic disruption, or prolonged defiance. Right now, the people of Rivers are watching. They are recording. They are remembering. Every unjust act against their elected governor deepens their resentment and fuels a crisis that force alone cannot resolve.

Be warned—Rivers and the entire Niger Delta are watching. The people are not blind to injustice, and even if the military remains stationed in Rivers indefinitely, they cannot consume or silence everyone.

A political wound cannot be healed with military boots. Justice is the only cure.

THE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF FEDERAL MISMANAGEMENT

Rivers State is not just a political entity—it is a national economic asset. It is one of Nigeria’s largest oil-producing states, generating billions of dollars in revenue. Any instability in the region is not just a Rivers problem; it is a Nigerian problem.

Already, global oil markets are taking note of the crisis. Investors are growing concerned that continued unrest will lead to reduced oil production, sabotage of energy infrastructure, and instability in business operations.

If this crisis spirals further, Nigeria will experience:

Declining oil production as local communities begin to withdraw cooperation.

Increased energy infrastructure attacks, as seen in past grievances with the Niger Delta region.

Loss of investor confidence, leading to capital flight and economic downturn.

Greater economic hardship for ordinary Nigerians, as revenue from Rivers begins to drop.

A government that truly values national stability must understand that you cannot undermine the leadership of an oil-rich state and expect economic peace. The Nigerian economy cannot afford another prolonged crisis in an oil-producing region.

THE INCONSISTENCY OF PRESIDENTIAL INTERVENTIONS: WHY FUBARA, NOT WIKE?

One of the most glaring contradictions in this entire situation is the selective intervention of the presidency.

Why is Governor Fubara, an elected leader, being treated as the problem, while Minister Wike, the source of the instability, remains untouched, unchecked, and unaccountable?

Why has President Tinubu not once publicly criticized Wike for his disruptive role in Rivers governance? Why has the Senate President remained silent on the one person fueling division in Rivers State?

Nigerians are watching, and they are asking difficult questions. If this is about restoring order, why does Wike remain free to operate? Why does it seem as though this entire situation is being engineered to weaken Fubara while empowering Wike?

REBUKING WIKE—A NECESSARY STEP FOR BALANCE

Mr. President, even if for nothing else but psychological balance, rebuke Wike. Even superficially. Speak to him publicly. Condemn his role, even symbolically. Let the people of Rivers State see that their grievances are being acknowledged.

The psychological damage of selective justice is real. The people of Rivers need to hear you say Wike’s name—not in praise, not in justification, but in acknowledgment of his disruptive role.

If Wike is not held accountable, the people will see this administration as complicit in the crisis, rather than a neutral force trying to resolve it.

Even those who may support your administration are questioning the selective silence. This is a moment that requires strategic leadership, and sometimes, a few words can be more powerful than military action.

THE URGENT CALL FOR ACTION

Public self-reflection from President Tinubu, indirectly acknowledging the concerns of favoritism while reaffirming his commitment to impartial governance.

A public rebuke of Minister Wike—even if symbolic—to signal fairness to the people of Rivers.

Immediate reduction of Minister Wike’s influence over Rivers State’s affairs to restore the authority of the elected governor.

A shift from military intervention to political reconciliation, ensuring that this crisis is resolved through governance, not force.

A commitment from the National Assembly to uphold institutional independence, preventing political interference in state-level leadership.

FINAL WORDS: CHOOSING JUSTICE OVER POLITICAL ALLIANCES

Mr. President, Rivers State is not just another political battlefield; it is a symbol of Nigeria’s democratic future.

If this crisis is handled with bias, if Wike remains shielded while Fubara is continually undermined, your administration will bear a defining stain—one that history will not erase.

Leadership is not just about loyalty; it is about fairness, courage, and the wisdom to act beyond political debts. The decisions you make today will shape not just the road to 2027, but your legacy in the years beyond. If this crisis is managed with injustice, the trust placed in your leadership will fracture, and the echoes of today’s actions will fuel tomorrow’s resistance.

Yes, Wike fought to deliver Rivers for you in 2023, using every means within his reach. Yes, 2027 looms ahead, but no one controls the future. That is why, in this moment, you must stand on the side of justice. As you rebuke Fubara during this emergency declaration, do not turn a blind eye to Wike’s role in this crisis. Let him too feel the weight of accountability. True leadership is not about selective discipline; it is about ensuring that justice prevails, no matter how powerful the individual.

History will not forget this moment. It will record whether you chose to rise above politics or allowed personal alliances to plunge Nigeria into further instability.

Be careful—Rivers and the entire Niger Delta are watching. The people are not blind to injustice, and the Nigeria Police and Military cannot suppress them all.

The choice is yours. Nigerians are watching. Nigerians are waiting.