Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a former presidential adviser, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, warning that it could have disastrous political and economic consequences for Nigeria.
In a statement released Tuesday evening, Ojudu questioned the rationale behind the decision, describing it as reckless and unnecessary.
“Who advised the President to take this course of action? Whoever it is, they are certainly not a friend of his administration, nor do they have the best interests of Nigeria at heart,” Ojudu stated.
He argued that the political crisis in Rivers State required a simple resolution, not an extreme measure that could destabilize the oil-rich Niger Delta. According to him, a diplomatic approach—bringing both factions to the table—would have been a far more effective solution.
Economic Dangers Loom
Ojudu expressed deep concern over the economic fallout, reminding Tinubu that Nigeria had twice plunged into recession under former President Muhammadu Buhari due to instability in the Niger Delta.
“Has he been informed that at one point, Nigeria’s oil production collapsed to below 400,000 barrels per day, down from 2.5 million barrels per day? That catastrophic drop was a direct result of political mismanagement and conflict in the region,” he warned.
He cautioned that if the crisis escalates, Nigeria could face another wave of oil production shutdowns, pipeline sabotage, and renewed militant activities—at a time when the country can least afford it.
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“The global oil market is unforgiving. Investors do not wait for internal political conflicts to be resolved. They simply take their capital elsewhere,” Ojudu added.
“Nigeria Has Real Emergencies Elsewhere”
Beyond economic concerns, Ojudu criticized the move for diverting attention from more pressing security challenges. He pointed out that thousands of Nigerian soldiers are still engaged in fierce battles against insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers in the North East, North West, and North Central regions.
“These are the real emergencies. These are the crises that demand decisive leadership. Nigeria cannot afford to be fighting on multiple fronts—politically, economically, and militarily,” he said.
“This Is an Admission of Failure”
Concluding his statement, Ojudu warned that imposing a state of emergency was not a strategy but an acknowledgment of failure. He urged President Tinubu to reconsider before irreversible damage is done.
“A state of emergency is not a strategy—it is an admission of failure. There are far more effective, far less destructive ways to handle this situation. I urge you, Mr. President, to rethink this decision before irreparable damage is done.”
With tensions already high in Rivers State and strong opposition mounting, all eyes are now on the Presidency to see if Tinubu will stand by his controversial decision or seek a different path to resolving the crisis.