Ann-Kio Briggs slams State of Emergency in Rivers, accuses FG of fulfilling Wike’s personal agenda

Veteran activist and environmentalist, Ann-Kio Briggs, has strongly criticized the federal government’s imposition of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a dangerous precedent driven by political interests rather than genuine security concerns.

Speaking during an appearance on Arise News Night, Briggs expressed shock over what she termed as the reduction of Nigeria’s democracy to the whims of individual political figures.

She was reacting to a media interview in which the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reportedly stated his preference for the outright removal of the now-suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

According to Wike, he was only prevented from achieving that goal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who instead declared a state of emergency in the state.

Briggs condemned the situation, saying it reflects a deeply troubling trend in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“It’s horrifying that Nigeria could be reduced to what one minister wants, whether it’s in Rivers, the National Assembly, the courts, or even the Presidency,” she said. “This shows the extent to which institutions can be manipulated to serve personal interests. If this can happen to Rivers, it can happen anywhere in Nigeria.”

Tinubu’s Emergency Rule Questioned

President Bola Tinubu had on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing alleged attacks on oil installations and worsening insecurity.

The proclamation led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state House of Assembly.

Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed sole administrator of the state.

However, Briggs described the rationale behind the emergency rule as “misinformation,” especially claims of pipeline explosions.

“There were no pipelines being blown up that justified such extreme measures,” she insisted. “If the president declared the emergency based on that information, then he acted on false premises.”

She further accused Admiral Ibas of exacerbating the situation through unconstitutional actions, such as appointing local government administrators—an act she said has no legal basis without elections.

“He is pouring petrol on a fire he was supposed to extinguish,” Briggs said. “The Constitution does not provide for local government administrators; they must be elected.”

Fubara Not the Problem:

Reacting to suggestions that Governor Fubara should seek forgiveness from Wike, Briggs expressed disbelief.

“Forgiveness? For what? Fubara is far from being the problem,” she said. “It is baffling that anyone would suggest he should apologise when he has done nothing wrong.”

Briggs criticized what she perceived as attempts to bully and coerce political outcomes in Rivers, pointing out that democracy must reflect the will of the people, not the ambition of individuals.

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“This crisis is not just about Rivers; it’s a reflection of a broken democratic system,” she noted. “True democracy is about what the people want, not what one person or a group desires.”

Concern for Nigeria’s Democratic Future: 

Drawing parallels with global political instability, Briggs warned that Nigeria’s democracy is in a fragile state.

“Look at what’s happening globally—Ukraine, Europe, even the U.S.—democracy is under pressure. In Nigeria, it’s collapsing under personal ambition and manipulation,” she said.

She emphasised that the political future of Rivers and the wider Niger Delta would not be determined by any single political actor.

“We will not be stranded. We will choose who to vote for freely. We won’t be threatened or bullied,” she added.

Final Thoughts.

Ann-Kio Briggs concluded by expressing deep concern over the future of Rivers State and the uncertainty surrounding the end of the current political turmoil.

“Sometimes I wonder if there’s even a plan for this crisis to end,” she said. “But I remain hopeful that the people will rise above the manipulation and reclaim their voice.”