President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the prolonged political crisis and governance paralysis.
In a nationwide emergency broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that Rivers had been at a standstill, depriving its people of good governance.
“I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance. Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did, but their efforts have been to no avail.”
The President announced the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months as part of measures to restore order.
“No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency. By this declaration, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended,” Tinubu declared.
He further announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the Administrator of the state, emphasizing that the decision was in the best interest of the people of Rivers State.
The declaration comes just hours after another explosion was reported at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
On the same day, the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), also caught fire, further escalating tensionsin the state.