President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers for six months.
In a national broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the prolonged political crisis that has paralyzed governance in the state.
Why Tinubu Took This Drastic Step
According to the President, the crisis in Rivers has left the state in a state of dysfunction, depriving residents of effective leadership.
“I feel greatly disturbed by the political turmoil in Rivers. For over 14 months, the state has been at a standstill.
The House of Assembly remains unbuilt after its demolition, despite multiple interventions,” Tinubu stated.
He emphasized that as President, he could not stand by and watch the situation deteriorate further.
“To restore governance and peace, I have no choice but to declare a state of emergency. As a result, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state lawmakers are hereby suspended for six months,” he declared.
New Leadership in Rivers State
Tinubu also announced that Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) has been appointed as the Administrator of Rivers State to oversee governance during this period.
Tensions Escalate with Oil Facility Explosion
Just hours before the emergency declaration, an explosion rocked an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, raising further concerns about security and stability in the state.
Earlier in the day, the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), was also engulfed in flames, adding to the chaos in Rivers.
Reactions Trail Tinubu’s Decision
Tinubu’s move has sparked mixed reactions.
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the decision, calling it an attack on democracy.
- Elder statesman Bode George condemned it as a disrespect for constituted authority.
- On the other hand, Reno Omokri praised Tinubu, saying, “At last, Nigeria has a Commander-in-Chief rather than a Commander-at-Sleep.”
This emergency declaration marks a significant turning point in Rivers’ political crisis, and all eyes are now on the state to see how events unfold in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned to NIGPOST for the latest updates!
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