President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State for six months, citing prolonged political unrest and governance paralysis. The announcement was made during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday.
As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended. President Tinubu has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state administrator to oversee governance during this period.
The President, invoking Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, explained that the decision was necessary to restore law and order in the oil-rich state. However, he assured that the judiciary would continue to function without interference.
The declaration comes amid growing tension in Rivers State, including a recent explosion at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and a fire incident on the Trans Niger Pipeline, a major crude oil transportation route.
The suspension of the state government is expected to spark legal and political debates, as stakeholders react to the unfolding situation.
More update later…….
