Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has backed President Bola Tinubu’s recent emergency rule in Rivers State, saying they were necessary to protect Nigeria’s key oil assets and avoid deeper political unrest.
Uzodinma, who chairs the National Economic Council’s subcommittee on crude oil theft, spoke during an interview in Lagos.
The governor said the federal government had to step in after vital pipelines were attacked, threatening the country’s oil output.
“When pipelines were bombed, we had to prioritize safeguarding production,” he stated. “
“At a time when we are making efforts to boost output, anything that leads to further leakage or reduces our production quota should not be encouraged.”
He explained that Tinubu, in his role as the country’s top security figure, consulted with relevant parties before taking action in Rivers.
The growing tension in the state, he said, could have spiraled further if the state assembly had gone ahead with moves to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Uzodinma said, “Power belongs to God. If you are meant to be a governor, God will defend you. But when tensions rise to the point of threatening national economic interests, the federal government has a duty to step in.”
The governor also brushed aside claims that Tinubu is favoring the South-West with federal appointments.
He argued that the president is choosing people based on merit, not where they come from, and praised him for making bold reforms, unlike past administrations.
On the issue of security in Imo, the governor blamed most of the violence on political opponents who lost elections.
He said his government is addressing the problem through a mix of force and development programs, including empowering young people and building infrastructure.
Uzodimma also confirmed that all 36 governors, along with the Federal Capital Territory, have agreed to support the creation of state police.
The governor added that the proposal is now with the National Assembly for approval.
KanyiDaily recalls that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) recently decided to move its 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) from Port Harcourt to Enugu, citing concerns over “constitutional violations” in Rivers State.
