Veteran Nollywood actress, social activist, and politician, Hilda Dokubo, has openly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. She accused the president of attempting to seize control of the state’s economic assets under the guise of addressing political instability.
Her criticism follows Tinubu’s recent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for a period of six months. This drastic move by the presidency has ignited significant controversy and raised concerns about the true motives behind the decision.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was announced in a national address by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025. According to the president, the action was necessary due to the persistent political turmoil and governance disruptions caused by tensions between the state government and opposing factions. However, many Nigerians, including political analysts and concerned citizens, have questioned the necessity of this extreme measure.
Following the official declaration, several political figures and activists have voiced their opinions regarding the development. While some believe the move was required to restore order, others view it as a calculated strategy to tighten federal control over the resource-rich state.
Reacting strongly to the situation, Hilda Dokubo took to her Instagram page to express her disapproval, denouncing the move as an attempt to hijack Rivers State’s economy. She described the decision as “shameless” and accused Tinubu’s administration of using the political crisis as an excuse to impose federal dominance over the state.
In her words, she wrote;
“State of emergency because for two years we have had peace!
State of emergency because you want to capture the economic soul of Rivers State!
State of emergency because of one man?
Shameless! Perhaps Mr. President should say he wants to annex Rivers State.”
She further referenced George Orwell’s classic novel *Animal Farm* in her remarks, suggesting that Rivers citizens should be given copies as a form of palliative, implying that the situation mirrors the themes of dictatorship and power struggles portrayed in the book.
She added;
“The *Animal Farm* by George Orwell should be given to every Rivers State citizen as palliative. Meantime, someone tell Mr. Jones to rein in his pigs.”
Her statement has since gone viral, sparking discussions among Nigerians on social media. Many users have expressed support for her stance, while others debate the implications of the emergency rule on Rivers State’s political and economic future.
See her post below;
