In a decisive move addressing escalating political tensions, President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a key oil-producing region in Nigeria. This action, effective immediately, includes the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for an initial period of six months.
The political crisis in Rivers State has been marked by internal conflicts within the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with factions threatening impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy. In response to the deteriorating situation, President Tinubu exercised his constitutional powers under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare the state of emergency.
To ensure continued governance and stability, President Tinubu has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State during this period. The President emphasized that this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of the state, which will continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate.
This development coincides with an ongoing investigation into a recent blast and subsequent fire on the Trans Niger Pipeline, a major oil artery transporting crude from onshore oilfields to the Bonny export terminal in Rivers State.
The federal government urges all stakeholders and residents of Rivers State to remain calm and cooperate fully with the interim administration to restore peace, order, and democratic processes in the state.
