By Deborah Nnamdi
Social media erupted on Wednesday with sharp reactions to recent developments surrounding the Rivers State emergency rule, with many Nigerians accusing political leaders of using the measure to settle scores and manipulate local power structures.
On X (formerly Twitter), Haruna (@harunaibrahim) argued that the emergency had already fulfilled its purpose, writing:
“officialABAT & @GovWike has succeeded in flipping Rivers State forcefully from PDP to APC therefore the aim of the emergency rule declaration has been achieved.”
Similarly, Onbeds (@obnotobs) alleged that the move was intended to capture Rivers’ political machinery:
“The whole purpose of the Emergency Rule in Rivers State was to forcefully take over the vote-manipulation structure from Fubara to Wike. They achieved that objective in the August LG selection of Wike’s cronies. That’s the Structure of Criminality PO has always talked about.”
Other users issued stronger warnings. Bunker buster (@solomonN38455) declared:
“Oga, u committed an unforgivable sin in Rivers State. Just rig the 2027 election at all costs because if u lose, Lagos’ emergency rule will last for 2 years.”
Sarima (@real_gloria) accused political leaders of plundering the state’s resources, stating:
“You imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State just to embezzle the state’s treasure, for your selfish interest. Shame on everyone who contributed to this evil. It will never be well with you. Your end shall be worse than Herod.”
Shehu A. Abubarka described the measure as harmful to ordinary citizens:
“Disgraceful and disgusting! In the end, it is the Rivers State citizens who have been cheated and robbed.”
However, some users defended the president’s decision. Temitope (@Mrmrvice) said the intervention was necessary:
“Nice one from the president. The son and the Godfather can now move the state forward and ignore intruders who want to play politics with the situation. The timely intervention of the president saved the calamity that was looming in Rivers State.”
Olukofe Ibrahim echoed the sentiment, calling it “a demonstration of effective leadership,” while Greatix_post expressed gratitude:
“Thank you, @officialABAT, for giving us democracy in Rivers State. We truly appreciate your decision to instruct him to go to the office from midnight. May this renewed hope for democracy spread across the nation.”
Yet skepticism lingered. Kanji (@Not_justkanji) remarked:
“We have seen this movie before. He will go back, and a few weeks later, there will be another emergency rule due to unrest in the government house and Rivers State.”
Jacob Ikechukwu Tibiebe was blunt in his criticism:
“Shameless lot. After installing APC in Rivers State. Shioor. The plans for APC to come back in 2027 shall fail woefully. Terrorists party!”
The mixed reactions highlight deep divisions among Nigerians, with critics framing the emergency rule as a political power grab and supporters portraying it as decisive leadership to stabilize Rivers State.
