Audu Ogbeh, a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, has sharply criticized the ongoing practice of replacing civilian governors with military appointees during states of emergency.
His comments, made during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’, raise concerns about the potential erosion of civilian leadership in favor of military-style governance.
Ogbeh pointed to the actions of both President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who have previously implemented similar measures, as a troubling trend that could signal a regression to military rule.
According to Ogbeh, this practice casts doubt on the ability of civilian leaders to manage their states effectively, sending a harmful message to the Nigerian public.
“I am asking, why is it that every time a governor is suspended, a military officer takes their place?” Ogbeh questioned. “Are we suggesting that Nigerians miss military rule or that civilians are incapable of governing themselves?”
Ogbeh referenced Obasanjo’s repeated use of military appointments, emphasizing that this latest instance, under Tinubu’s leadership, raises significant concerns.
He argued that the imposition of such emergency powers undermines the role of elected officials and weakens the democratic process.
“The logic behind these appointments is unclear,” Ogbeh continued.
“States of emergency should be rare, and when they are used, the constitution doesn’t dictate a need for military leaders to take charge. It sends a problematic signal—that civilians cannot handle their own governance.”
His comments come in the wake of President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, following ongoing political turmoil and the destruction of oil infrastructure.
Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly, replacing them with a military appointee, retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the state’s sole administrator.
Read Also: Imagine Rivers State without a State of Emergency, by Bayo Onanuga
The move, which was ratified by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on March 20, has been met with widespread controversy.
While the presidency defended the emergency rule as a necessary step to prevent further escalation of the crisis, many, including members of the South-South Governors’ Forum, have vocally opposed the decision.
Ogbeh concluded by calling for greater responsibility among elected officials, urging them not to treat governance as a “holiday” but as a serious duty to the people. “Civilians must show they are capable of handling the responsibilities entrusted to them,” he said.
“Otherwise, we risk sending the wrong message about democracy.”
