Review of Rivers Emergency Rule: Bar. Prince Ben Ikani Absolves Tinubu, Urges Supreme Court on Speedy Interpretation of Controversial Issues, Faults Ibas’ Conduct of LGA Elections
By Ahiaba Douglas
A former Kogi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bar. Prince Ben Ikani, has absolved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of any wrongdoing in his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Nigeria’s oil-rich state that was recently engulfed in political turmoil.
Bar. Ikani explained that President Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule was likely taken to prevent further escalation of the political crisis and stalemate, which could have spiraled into a situation with devastating consequences for the nation. Considering the strategic economic importance of Rivers State to Nigeria, the fiery senior lawyer argued that the president acted in the national interest.
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The former Director/Prosecutor at both the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made these remarks while speaking on an Arise Television program titled “Review of Emergency Rule in Rivers State.”
Ikani’s comments came in response to the host’s reference to former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), who in 2013 reportedly advised then-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan against removing a sitting governor in one of the Boko Haram–ravaged North-East states. Adoke had maintained that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the president to remove an elected governor a stance that contrasts sharply with President Tinubu’s decision in Rivers State.
Defending Tinubu’s action, Bar. Ikani stated that sometimes, sensitive information available only to the president can shape such critical decisions. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must have acted based on national interest, considering the economic importance of Rivers State to Nigeria’s economy,” he asserted.
Ikani also commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his courage in resisting what he described as the overbearing tendencies of his predecessor, noting that the governor’s firm stance had sent a strong message to political godfathers across the country.
Speaking on the suit filed by PDP governors challenging the legality and constitutionality of the emergency rule in Rivers State as well as the suit seeking an extension of Governor Fubara’s tenure beyond May 29, 2027 Ikani lamented that the matter should have been decided by the Supreme Court before the expiration of the six-month suspension handed to the governor.
He emphasized that, given the novel nature of the case, the apex court ought to have treated it as sui generis (deserving special attention) by convening urgently to grant it accelerated hearing. “Unfortunately, the suit was not even listed for hearing,” he regretted.
The former Attorney General further faulted the Nigerian Senate for relying on a voice vote to approve the president’s declaration of emergency rule in such a sensitive matter. According to him, a roll-call vote should have been adopted to ensure transparency and accountability.
Bar. Ikani also criticized the choice of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) as the administrator of Rivers State during the emergency rule, describing it as “a wrong decision” by the president.
“The selection of Ibas to oversee the emergency rule in Rivers State was inappropriate. If the issue had been about halting oil exploration, Ibas, being a retired naval officer, would have been suitable. But this was a purely political matter — an experienced former governor would have been better suited for that role,” he said.
Berating Ibas’ handling of the six-month emergency period, Ikani noted that he “never once invited the parties for possible reconciliation,” a failure that, according to him, further demonstrated his unsuitability for the assignment.
He also questioned Ibas’ decision to conduct local government elections during the emergency rule, arguing that the Nigerian Constitution does not confer such powers on an administrator under a state of emergency.
