A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Senator Ayodele Arise, has stated that the six-month emergency rule declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu will not harm the President’s chances of re-election in 2027.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Senator Ayodele Arise who represented Ekiti North Senatorial District from 2007 to 2011 — expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership, noting that the intervention helped avert potential chaos in the state.
He explained that before the emergency declaration, Rivers State was experiencing rising political tensions, marked by violence and threats to critical infrastructure.
“By and large, we have to thank Mr. President for taking the decision he took. The situation in Rivers State at the time was almost getting out of hand. The intervention was necessary to restore order and safeguard critical national assets,” he said.
According to him, Rivers remains strategic to Nigeria’s economy and that peace in the state was crucial for the oil and gas sector.
Weighing in on political implications, Senator Ayodele Arise dismissed suggestions that the decision would cost President Tinubu support in Rivers State.
The APC stalwart further stated that the APC has strengthened its grassroots structures, citing the party’s performance in the 2024 presidential election and recent local government polls.
Senator Ayodele Arise noted that both Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have roles to play in ensuring peace and stability in the state, while also emphasizing their influence in shaping grassroots politics ahead of 2027.
Recalls that President Tinubu had suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State Assembly following the proclamation of a state of emergency, which lasted six months.
A former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), was appointed as sole administrator to oversee the state during the period.
At the end of the six months, the suspension was lifted, and all elected officials, including the governor and lawmakers, were reinstated.
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