…Calls for Citizen Action
The PILEX Centre for Civic Advocacy has strongly condemned what it describes as an “undemocratic capture” of Rivers State, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of orchestrating political manipulation and constitutional abuse in the state.
In a press release issued on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and signed by the advocacy group’s leadership, PILEX Centre alleged that the recent political developments in Rivers State including the appointment of local government administrators and Samuel Nwanosike are evidence of a wider scheme to place the state under the control of former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Referencing the biblical story of deception in Genesis 27:22, the statement likened the current administration’s actions to a betrayal of public trust, accusing the presidency of circumventing the will of the Rivers people and imposing a de facto state of emergency without constitutional basis.
According to the group, the appointment of officials perceived to be loyal to Wike reinforces claims that the Sole Administrator in Rivers State is acting on the former governor’s behalf.
PILEX Centre argues that the move is part of a broader effort to consolidate power in the state and reward political loyalty at the expense of democratic values.
“It is now visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that the Sole Administrator is an agent of Wike and nothing more pretentious,” the statement said.
The group further decried the use of state security forces to suppress peaceful protests, citing the use of tear gas on demonstrators, civil society organizations, and women’s groups who have taken to the streets to oppose the developments.
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Despite what they describe as a “pyrrhic victory” for those currently in power, PILEX Centre expressed optimism in the resilience of Rivers people. “The people of Rivers State have shown resilience and won this war against ‘We the People,’” it stated, urging continued lawful resistance.
The advocacy group warned that without electoral reforms and constitutional safeguards, the challenges seen in Rivers State could spread to other parts of the country. It called on the National Assembly to amend parts of the Electoral Act that make it difficult to challenge election results.
Quoting late human rights icons Anyakwee Nsirimovu and Ken Saro-Wiwa, the centre concluded on a note of defiance and hope: “We shall march peacefully and non-violently and we shall win.”
The statement ends with a call to action for Rivers citizens to continue opposing the “illegal regime” through legal and peaceful means.
“Only an active citizenry can take back what rightfully belongs to them,” the group emphasized.
