Former Minister of Agriculture Audu Ogbeh has voiced strong criticism over the recurring practice of replacing civilian governors with military officials during states of emergency. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ogbeh questioned the logic behind such moves, suggesting they could pave the way for a return to military-style governance and undermine public confidence in civilian leadership.
“The only other thing that I’m asking is: Why is it that each time there is this suspension of a governor, a military person is put back in place? Do we miss military rule or are we suggesting that civilians are incapable of governing themselves?” Ogbeh said, adding that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had done it on multiple occasions, and now President Bola Tinubu has followed suit.
Ogbeh warned that the imposition of a state of emergency should be avoided, noting, “Since the constitution doesn’t say you can only pick this or that person, the president is free to do so, but it’s also sending a funny signal that civilians can’t do the job themselves. That’s not a good one. That’s why civilians themselves should be more responsible. Elected individuals should behave themselves and not carry on as if it’s a holiday and that they can do as they wish because they are sending the wrong signal to society.”
The comments come in the wake of President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, following prolonged political unrest and vandalism of oil facilities. As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly were suspended, and Tinubu subsequently appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state. Two days later, both the Senate and the House of Representatives controversially approved the president’s request for emergency rule.
While the presidency has defended the decision as necessary to prevent further escalation of the crisis in the South-South region, critics—including the South-South Governors’ Forum—have condemned the move, arguing that it signals a troubling retreat from civilian governance.
Ogbeh’s remarks serve as a pointed reminder of the need for accountability and responsible leadership in Nigeria’s political landscape, especially during times of crisis. His call for greater self-reliance among elected officials highlights growing concerns that frequent reliance on military personnel to fill governance gaps may erode the foundations of Nigeria’s democratic system.
