By Joy Godson
Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge, a renowned political analyst from Bayero University Kano, has issued a stark warning about the potential ramifications of appointing former Navy personnel as the sole administrator in Rivers State amid the ongoing political crisis.
Professor Fagge told Grassroots Parrot on Thursday that this decision could reawaken military ambitions for political power in Nigeria’s democratic space.
“The appointment of a military figure as sole administrator sends a dangerous signal in our democracy,” Professor Fagge stated.
“This approach differs significantly from how previous emergencies were handled and could create a precedent that undermines civilian authority in governance.” He added.
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The political science expert criticized the federal government’s approach, suggesting they should have employed strategies similar to those used during state of emergency declarations in Borno and Plateau States.
Those situations, he noted, were managed without the complete suspension of democratically elected officials.
“In previous cases of emergency rule, the democratic structures remained intact while security operations were intensified. This Rivers situation represents a troubling departure from established precedent,” he explained.
When asked about Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political future, Professor Fagge expressed doubt about his chances of returning to power.
READ ALSO: Emergency Rule: FG Deploys 10,000 Troops To Rivers State
“The political calculations appear to have been meticulously arranged against Governor Fubara. All necessary measures will likely be taken to ensure his impeachment, making his return to office highly improbable,” he assessed.
The professor further suggested that the dramatic political developments in Rivers State should be viewed within the context of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
“What we’re witnessing is not isolated political turbulence but a calculated positioning by powerful interests ahead of 2027.
Rivers State, with its strategic importance both economically and politically, represents a crucial piece on the national political chessboard,” Fagge emphasized.
He warned that the handling of the Rivers crisis could set a dangerous precedent for resolving political disputes in Nigeria’s federation, potentially enabling federal authorities to intervene in state affairs whenever politically expedient rather than constitutionally necessary.
READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Backs Emergency Rule, Promises To Support Sole Administrator
“The constitution provides clear guidelines for federal intervention in state affairs. When these guidelines are liberally interpreted or outright circumvented, we risk eroding the federal structure that underpins our democracy,” Professor Fagge said.
Political observers continue to monitor developments in Rivers State with growing concern about the implications for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and federal system as the situation unfolds.