Founder of the One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj Ji, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as a political masterstroke that saved Nigeria from sliding into deeper chaos.
In a statement personally signed and titled “Revisit the State of Emergency Declaration: A Political Imperative in National Redemption, If…”, Maharaj Ji said the intervention was constitutional, necessary, and patriotic, contrary to criticisms from some political and legal groups.
He argued that the President acted within the provisions of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers him to proclaim a state of emergency in any part of the country threatened by breakdown of law and order.
“The invocation of emergency rule in Rivers State was constitutionally responsible and in order,” he said. “The crisis between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, was escalating dangerously, endangering peace and governance in the state.”
Maharaj Ji faulted the position of critics, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who claimed Tinubu violated constitutional thresholds in suspending Governor Fubara during the emergency rule.
“The Constitution does not empower a governor to continue exercising power while emergency rule is in force. It is, by nature, a temporary intervention to restore peace and normalcy,” he stated.
According to him, the state of emergency quelled political tension that could have spiraled into a national security threat. He added that Tinubu’s prompt response “disgraced the enemies of peace and those who wished to plunge Nigeria into conflict.”
The spiritual leader urged Governor Fubara to tread cautiously in managing political relations, particularly with his predecessor, Wike, describing their reconciliation as vital to Rivers State’s stability.
He warned the governor against allowing northern political interests to exploit divisions in the state, advising him to prioritize governance, transparency, and unity.
“Governorship should not be treated as private property or business,” he cautioned. “It is an opportunity to serve the people and prove that the black man is capable of responsible leadership.”
Maharaj Ji also called on the governor to tackle illegal oil bunkering, environmental pollution, and gas flaring, urging him to involve stakeholders and traditional leaders, including High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), in restoring justice and peace in the oil-rich region.
He further recommended that 5% of oil proceeds be used to rebuild local communities affected by pollution, while advising the state government to focus on basic infrastructure such as roads, housing, health care, education, and transportation.
In conclusion, Maharaj Ji praised President Tinubu’s political wisdom, saying his handling of the Rivers crisis “destroyed the plots of neo-colonial forces” and strengthened Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“The way and manner President Tinubu managed the situation was a political masterstroke that frustrated those who wanted to destabilize Nigeria,” he said.
“Long live South-South, long live President Tinubu, long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
