In a decisive move to address the protracted political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The announcement came during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, with Tinubu citing the rising insecurity and escalating tensions in the oil-rich state as key factors behind the proclamation. The president appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.) as a Military Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the president to declare a state of emergency in cases of national danger, disaster, or significant security threats.
In his address, Tinubu referenced recent pipeline explosions and reports of vandalism by militants that the state government allegedly failed to address. He emphasized the need for “extraordinary measures” to restore governance, peace, and order.
“With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation,” Tinubu stated.
Political Tensions and Power Struggles
The crisis in Rivers State has been fueled by a power tussle between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and his estranged former ally, Governor Fubara. The struggle for control over the state’s political structure has reportedly led to increased unrest, with civil servants threatening mass protests and accusations of sabotage.
Under the terms of the emergency declaration:
- The legislative arm of Rivers State is suspended for six months.
- The judiciary remains unaffected and will continue its constitutional functions.
- The appointed Military Administrator will manage state affairs but cannot make new laws. Regulations formed will require approval from the Federal Executive Council and the President.
President Tinubu assured the public that this intervention aims to restore stability and ensure the safety of the people of Rivers State.
“It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players,” Tinubu concluded.
The declaration marks the first state of emergency under Tinubu’s administration. The last significant state of emergency in Nigeria occurred in May 2013, under President Goodluck Jonathan, targeting the insurgency-ridden northeast states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.
The suspension of the state government has sparked mixed reactions, with supporters praising the move as necessary to curb the escalating crisis, while critics raise concerns about the potential impact on democratic governance. The coming months will reveal whether the intervention will achieve its intended purpose of restoring peace and order in Rivers State.
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