Mathew Amaechi
A former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lanre Ogundipe, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu to reconsider his decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Ogundipe warned that this move could have severe adverse effects on the nation’s economy, particularly given Rivers State’s strategic importance as an economic hub in the Niger Delta region.
Ogundipe questioned the advice given to President Tinubu, stating that the declaration is “not the best solution in the circumstance” and could lead to a “serious catastrophe.” He emphasized that the situation should be resolved politically, with the President taking a firm stance to address the crisis without fear or favor.
Furthermore, Ogundipe suggested that President Tinubu should also suspend the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, who is alleged to have played a key role in precipitating the crisis.
This, Ogundipe argued, would demonstrate fairness and justice in the President’s handling of the situation.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has been met with concerns about its potential impact on the nation’s economy, particularly in the oil sector. With Nigeria’s oil production already facing challenges, further escalation of the crisis could lead to sabotage of oil infrastructure and a decline in production.