A former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said that the country is presently in a full blown state of emergency.

The former VP, who was the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Presidential election, made the remarks in a press statement, signed by his media aide, Mr. Paul Ibe.

Atiku questioned, concerning the crises bedeviling the country currently ‘When will Tinubu declare a state of emergency on his own disastrous Presidency?’

The statement reads in full:

On April 2, 2025, President Bola Tinubu flew out to France. Had this absurd announcement come just a day earlier, Nigerians would have dismissed it as an April Fool’s joke. But sadly, it’s no prank — just another insult to a nation pushed to the brink by a presidency that treats its citizens like fools.

The official excuse? A so-called “working visit.” But Nigerians aren’t buying the spin. The presidency scrambled to clarify that it wasn’t a medical trip — how noble. But even if it’s not medical tourism, what justification is there for gallivanting across Europe while Nigeria bleeds? What kind of leader borrows billions only to blow scarce funds on vanity trips abroad? It’s not just irresponsible— it’s contemptuous.

Let the facts speak for themselves. By the time Tinubu struts back from this latest escapade, he will have racked up a staggering 59 days in France since assuming office. “See Paris and die?” No — see Paris and abandon your country.

While Tinubu dines under chandeliers in the land of good governance, the country he governs is spiraling into chaos. Plateau has turned into a killing field — over 100 lives lost in relentless attacks. Benue is bleeding. Boko Haram is seizing territory. And every single day, Nigerians sink deeper into poverty, insecurity, and despair.

This isn’t just negligence. It’s dereliction of duty on a catastrophic scale.

If Tinubu had even a shred of empathy, he would cut his trip short and return immediately. A leader with an ounce of patriotism wouldn’t need to be begged to show up in times of crisis. The constitution says the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government. But under Tinubu, that sacred duty has been trashed.

Let’s be honest: there is absolutely nothing Tinubu is doing in France that he couldn’t do in Lagos, or even in Iragbiji. This so-called “working visit” is nothing more than a vacation cloaked in official jargon.

Nigeria is in a full-blown state of emergency. Not a contrived political emergency like what Tinubu declared in Rivers for partisan gain — this is a national collapse. So when, exactly, will Tinubu declare a state of emergency on his own disastrous presidency?

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas (retd.), has denied reports claiming that he summoned the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, for questioning.

The claim, widely circulated on social media, was described by the state government as “false and misleading.”

In an official statement issued on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dede Friday, Ibas described the reports as “fraudulent announcements” deliberately spread to incite unrest.

“The Rivers State Government has become aware of fraudulent announcements circulating on social media, falsely attributed to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government.

“These malicious fabrications are designed to mislead the public, create panic, and disrupt the peace in Rivers State.

“One such false report claimed that Governor Fubara and his deputy had been summoned to the Government House to explain certain appointments and other state matters,” the statement read.

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (retd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has summoned suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Dr Ngozi Ordu, to appear before him at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a special announcement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika.

Worika disclosed that the summons forms part of an official inquiry into appointments made during the Fubara administration over the past two years.

According to the statement, Fubara has been directed to present comprehensive documentation and records related to appointments made while in office.

This includes, among other things, the rationale and procedures that guided those decisions.

The full statement reads:

“RIVERS GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

“The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, has formally summoned the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Dr. Ngozi Ordu, to appear before him for an inquiry into the appointments made under their administration over the past two years.

“Sir Fubara is directed to present all relevant documents and records pertaining to appointments, including justifications and procedures followed during his tenure. The session will also serve as an opportunity for the suspended Governor to provide a clear and detailed explanation as to why he believes he should be reinstated to office.

“Both parties are expected to appear in person as follows:

Date: Friday, 18th April, 2025
Time: 10:00am Prompt
Venue: Conference Room, Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt

Attendance is mandatory. This process forms part of the Sole Administrator’s ongoing efforts to restore transparency and accountability and lasting peace in the governance of Rivers State.
Signed:
Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika
Secretary to the State Government”