Emergency regime in Rivers: I support Tinubu on this – Shehu Sani

Former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Speaking on News Night, Sani emphasised that the political crisis in the state had defied legal, political, and even spiritual solutions, making the president’s intervention necessary.

“For the past one and a half years, Rivers State has been in turmoil, affecting the political, economic, and social life of its people,” Sani stated.

“Despite court rulings, mediation efforts by the president, Niger Delta elders, and religious leaders, peace has remained elusive.”

According to Sani, the crisis had escalated to the point where vandalism of oil pipelines threatened national stability.

He argued that without decisive action, the situation could spiral into full-scale unrest. “If impeachment proceeded, there would have been violence. If the governor remained with a hostile Assembly, governance would be paralyzed,” he explained.

Responding to criticisms that the state of emergency was politically motivated, Sani maintained that the priority was restoring order. “Political conflicts require political solutions. Wike and Fubara must put Rivers State’s interests above personal ambitions,” he added.

While acknowledging concerns about the implications for democracy, Sani warned that Nigeria’s fragile political climate required proactive measures. “This is about stability. Without peace in Rivers, national security is at risk,” he concluded.