The primary responsibility of government at all levels is to protect lives and property while balancing citizens’ constitutional rights. However, in the interest of safety and security, governments often limit the enforcement of these rights. This delicate balance was put to the test in Rivers State, where a recent protest exposed a matrix of governance, disloyalty, and rebellion.
Despite President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s federal government being open to peaceful protests, it has consistently advised against violent demonstrations, which can be hijacked by malicious elements. In line with this stance, government officials across the country, including state governors and appointees, have worked to minimize the impact of processions and rallies.
However, Rivers State, known for its loyalty to the central government, took a different approach. Governor Fubara allegedly ignored calls from the Federal government to mitigate the risks associated with the protest. Instead, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Edison Ehie mobilized youth groups, including past and present student union leaders, to meet with the Governor, ostensibly to plan a “peaceful” protest.
It was gathered that each of the leaders of these groups received N300,000 from taxpayers’ funds on the first day. A subsequent meeting took place, where Mr. Siminialayi addressed the youths and told them to disregard warnings not to participate in the protest from “enemies of the state.” Each attendee received N500,000, totaling N150 million for 300 youths. Various groups received N6 million each to mobilize for the protest, which went ahead despite resistance from the anti-rally orders of the Commissioner of Police in the state.
In what appears to be a shocking revelation, Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has indicted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, criticizing his low democratic scorecard and failure to manage the economy and stem the tide of inflation. Governor Fubara threw a jab at President Tinubu, while responding to a crowd of protesting youth, who gathered in front of the Government House, Port Harcourt on August 1, 2024.
Governor Fubara espoused his views, saying, “I am in your protests. The demands are germane. Hardship. Bad governance. Before this government came, the exchange rate was below N300.00, but under this government, it is now N1,600. The cost of living, cost of food, house rent, high cost of medical bills.” He continued, “I am thanking you because you are here to demand a better Nigeria. Like I told you yesterday, I already know your problems. Our youth, I know that you are hungry. I agree with you that there is hunger. Before you leave here, I will give you a small thing, at least, to take and buy pure water and bread. Aluta Continua.”
The planned protest was hijacked by the Governor and his Chief of Staff to prove a point to the Federal Government that he had the support of the youths. Governor Fubara wants to show that it is time for revenge against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he now perceives as his political enemy. During the protest, Governor Fubara acknowledged the successes of the protest, confirming he knew it would be non-violent. He aligned with the youth, while blaming the Federal Government for the people’s suffering due to failed policies.
By Iso Fiberesima
