By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Hilda Dokubo, a veteran Nollywood actress and politician, has accused Nigerian President Bola Tinubu of trying to take control of Rivers State’s economic resources.
This accusation follows the state of emergency declared in the state, along with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the House of Assembly members for six months.
On March 18, 2025, Tinubu addressed the nation, stating that his decision was made “after evaluating the political crisis in the state,” which has generated various responses across the country.
According to the president, the state of emergency was necessary to address the situation.
However, Dokubo strongly disagreed with the president’s actions. In an Instagram post, she expressed her outrage, calling the decision “shameless” and suggesting that the real motive was to control the state’s economy.
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!” She added, “State of emergency because of one man? Shameless!”
Dokubo also criticized Tinubu’s handling of the situation, stating, “Perhaps Mr. President should say he wants to annex Rivers State.” Her message was clear: she believed the president’s actions were unjust and unnecessary.
In her post, she further mocked the situation, saying, “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.” This pointed remark seemed to criticize the power dynamics at play, comparing the situation to the infamous allegory in Animal Farm.
