Prominent Nollywood actress and Rivers State native Hilda Dokubo has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, questioning the motives behind the federal government’s intervention in what has become one of Nigeria’s most contentious political crises.
Tinubu’s dramatic decision, announced Tuesday, involves the temporary suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy for a six-month period, along with all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The President has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to oversee state affairs during this period, citing the need to resolve the escalating political impasse that has gripped the oil-rich state.
Dokubo, a respected figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry and an outspoken Rivers State advocate, took to her Instagram story to express her frustration and skepticism regarding the federal intervention. Her pointed remarks suggested ulterior motives behind the emergency declaration, particularly focusing on economic interests.
“State of emergency because for two years we have had peace! State of emergency because you want to capture the economy soul of Rivers State! State of emergency because of one man? Shameless!” Dokubo wrote, directly challenging the presidency’s stated reasoning for the intervention.
The actress’s reference to “capturing the economic soul” of Rivers State appears to highlight the state’s significant position as a crucial oil-producing region that contributes substantially to Nigeria’s national revenue. Rivers State hosts numerous oil installations, two major ports, and other economic assets that make it strategically vital to Nigeria’s economy.
In a particularly provocative statement, Dokubo suggested that the President should simply admit to annexation intentions: “Perhaps Mr President should say he wants to annexed Rivers State,” revealing the depth of suspicion some Rivers stakeholders harbor regarding federal involvement in their state’s affairs.
The political crisis in Rivers State has been building for months, stemming from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Federal Minister of the Federal Capital Territory in Tinubu’s cabinet. The conflict has manifested in various forms, including legislative turmoil, local government disputes, and factional politics that have increasingly threatened governance stability in the state.
Dokubo’s literary reference to George Orwell’s classic allegory “Animal Farm” – suggesting it “should be given to every Rivers State citizen as palliative” – draws a parallel between the political manipulation depicted in Orwell’s work and the current situation in Rivers State. The reference to “Mr. Jones” and his “pigs” appears to cast certain political figures as exploitative leaders who have betrayed their initial promises.
The federal government’s intervention comes at a particularly sensitive time in Nigerian politics, with numerous states experiencing governance challenges amid economic difficulties plaguing the nation. Critics of the administration, like Dokubo, question whether the Rivers situation truly warrants such extraordinary measures, especially when similar political crises in other states have not prompted equivalent federal action.
Political analysts have noted that the Rivers crisis represents a complex intersection of personal ambitions, regional interests, and national politics. The state’s considerable economic resources make it a perpetual flashpoint in Nigeria’s often turbulent political landscape, with control over its revenue streams representing significant power.
Dokubo’s comments also touch on questions about federalism and state autonomy that have long characterized Nigerian politics. The tension between federal authority and state sovereignty remains a contentious issue, particularly in resource-rich states that feel their wealth benefits the center more than their own communities.
The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State marks a significant escalation in what had previously been treated as an internal state matter. While the presidency has framed the intervention as necessary to restore stability and protect democracy, voices like Dokubo’s suggest a more skeptical interpretation of federal motivations.
The suspension of democratically elected officials, even temporarily, raises constitutional questions that legal experts suggest may eventually be tested in court. The Nigerian constitution provides for emergency powers but their application to suspend elected officials without specific allegations of constitutional violations remains contentious.
For ordinary Rivers residents, the political turmoil comes amid already challenging economic circumstances affecting all Nigerians. The potential impact on governance, service delivery, and local economic development remains a pressing concern as the state transitions to administration under a federally appointed official.
As one of Rivers State’s most recognizable voices, Dokubo’s public criticism represents more than just celebrity commentary – it reflects genuine concerns shared by many stakeholders about the implications of federal intervention in state politics. Her platform ensures these perspectives reach a national audience beyond traditional political channels.
The coming weeks will likely see further developments as the emergency administration takes shape and legal challenges potentially emerge. Meanwhile, voices like Dokubo’s ensure that alternative interpretations of the crisis remain in public discourse, challenging official narratives about the necessity and motivations behind the dramatic federal intervention in Rivers State politics.
