Omoyele Sowore, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, has strongly condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it a ploy to consolidate power.
Speaking in an interview on News Central TV, Sowore described President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the “three most dangerous persons in Nigeria.”
Sowore alleged that Wike, Akpabio, and Tinubu ascended to power through acts of impunity and criminality, without facing consequences. He claimed that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State is part of a grand scheme to hand control of the oil-rich state to Wike.
“Everything has been pointing to that process ever since Governor Siminalayi Fubara was appointed or selected, whichever way you want to put it,” Sowore said.
“It got to a point where Wike had to reach Tinubu, who is his principal in this case, to move in and take the state from Fubara so they can have it for themselves. That’s what they executed.”
Sowore further alleged that lawmakers were financially induced to support Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. SaharaReporters earlier reported that cash was distributed at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s guest house to secure lawmakers’ backing.
Sources claim that at No. 22, Yedeseram Street, Maitama, Abuja, 42 senators received $10,000 each on Wednesday night, while 45 senators were given $5,000 each on Tuesday night to influence the approval of the controversial measure.
Sowore warned that Nigerians must recognize the dangers posed by the three political figures, emphasizing the need for collective action against their alleged impunity.
“The reason why these guys are different from every dangerous person you have ever met in your life is that they have risen through the ranks of crime and impunity and gotten to the top without consequences. That’s what you are seeing them doing now.”
His remarks come as public outrage continues over the emergency declaration, with critics describing it as an unconstitutional overreach of presidential power. However, government officials have repeatedly defended the decision, insisting it is necessary to stabilize Rivers State.
The declaration of emergency in Rivers has sparked debates across political and civil society circles, with many questioning the motives behind it. Meanwhile, calls for transparency and accountability continue to mount as allegations of bribery and political manipulation unfold.
