In a shocking move, President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, 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 president made the announcement in a nationwide broadcast, citing the political crisis and instability in the state as reasons for his decision. According to Tinubu, the suspension is necessary to restore order and stability in the state.
“The Rivers State Government has been unable to maintain law and order, and the state has been plunged into chaos and anarchy,” Tinubu said. “As a result, I have declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, and I have suspended the governor, deputy governor, and all members of the state House of Assembly.”
The president also nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State to oversee the affairs of the state during the period of the suspension.
Vice Admiral Ibas, a retired naval officer, is a former Chief of Naval Staff. He is expected to work closely with security agencies to restore order and stability in the state.
The development has sparked concerns about the implications of the state of emergency on the governance and politics of Rivers State. Many have questioned the president’s decision, arguing that it is an overreach of his powers.
Others have expressed fears that the state of emergency could lead to human rights abuses and undermine the democratic process in the state.
The Rivers State Government has not officially responded to the president’s declaration, but sources close to the governor have described the move as “unconstitutional” and “an attack on democracy.”
The development is expected to spark a heated debate in the coming days, with many Nigerians watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
