By Jonathan Lois
His Royal Eminence, Archbishop King Benny Danson, has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as unconstitutional and a dangerous return to military-era tactics.
Speaking in a public address on Thursday, Archbishop Danson, who is the President of the International Council of Archbishops and Bishops for Charismatic and Pentecostal Churches, criticized the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, insisting that the president should have instead sanctioned Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
“With all due respect, Mr. President, your action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State was unconstitutional,” Archbishop Danson stated. “The best course of action should have been to call the FCT minister, the 27 legislative members of the House of Assembly, and the governor to order. A panel was already set up to look into the matter, and Governor Fubara complied. However, the FCT minister disregarded the process and refused to cooperate.”
He accused Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, of interfering in Fubara’s administration, blaming the ongoing crisis on his alleged political influence. “The state is in turmoil because His Excellency Wike is interfering in the governance of Rivers State. This is unconstitutional,” he said.
The archbishop also rejected the appointment of a retired military officer to oversee the state’s affairs, warning that it undermines democratic principles. “You have suspended both the governor and his deputy, leaving the state leaderless. And now, a retired military man has been brought in to take charge. This is a return to military rule, which is unacceptable in a democracy,” he asserted.
Calling for a reversal of the president’s decision, Archbishop Danson urged Tinubu to reinstate Governor Fubara and instead hold Wike and the lawmakers accountable. “If anyone deserves to be suspended, it should be the FCT minister and the 27 lawmakers. Mr. President, I implore you to rethink your decision. Your announcement could escalate the crisis rather than resolve it,” he warned.
The cleric further called on religious leaders, traditional rulers, the judiciary, and civil society groups to intervene in a peaceful manner to ensure that constitutional order is restored in the state.
“I appeal to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), traditional rulers, members of the judiciary, and all well-meaning Nigerians to speak up and correct this error—not through violence, but through dialogue,” he urged.
Archbishop Danson concluded his address with prayers for peace in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened following the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, who now serves as the FCT Minister. The state of emergency declared by President Tinubu has sparked widespread debate, with various stakeholders questioning the constitutionality and implications of the move.
