Why Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers

Following unending political wrangling in Rivers State between Siminilayi Fubara and River Assembly led by Martins Amewhele, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night declared a state of emergency in Rivers State suspending both Executive and Legislative organs of government for six months to allow for normalcy in the oil rich state.

Tinubu made the pronouncement in a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians, stating that he was greatly disturbed by the persistent and unabated political crisis in the state following Fubara’s demolition of the State House of Assembly building in 2023.

Tinubu said having made an evaluation of the situation, he has decided to “declare a state of emergency from March 18”.

He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months.

Tinubu also suspended all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State and nominated Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the state affairs for the period under review. According to the President

“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state,” Tinubusaid.

This decision comes hours after Tinubu met with his service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

The meeting which began around 3pm, also had Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in attendance.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, also arrived at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa.

Recall that a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory have been involved in an imbroglio with Fubara over political supremacy leading to the recent Supreme Court Judgment which knocked Fubara of unconstitutional passage of the state budget, conduct of the local government elections and near silence of the Legislative organ of government among others.