TINUBU DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS, SUSPENDS GOVERNOR FUBARA, APPOINTS RETIRED VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE IBAS AS ADMINISTRATOR

TINUBU DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS, SUSPENDS GOVERNOR FUBARA, APPOINTS RETIRED VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE IBAS AS ADMINISTRATOR

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following escalating political tensions and renewed security threats, particularly related to pipeline vandalism.

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. He cited the inability of the state government to manage the political crisis and security challenges as the key reason for the emergency intervention.

PIPELINE VANDALISM AND SECURITY THREATS

The emergency declaration follows disturbing reports of pipeline sabotage in the state, including a recent explosion and fire on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community, Gokana Local Government Area. According to security agencies, the state government failed to effectively respond to these incidents, posing a serious threat to national economic stability.

POLITICAL CRISIS IN RIVERS STATE

The crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for months, with internal conflicts within the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) leading to governance paralysis. The situation worsened with threats of impeachment proceedings against key government officials, creating further instability in the oil-rich state.

NEW ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTED

To restore order, President Tinubu has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State. He will oversee governance in the state until normalcy is restored. Meanwhile, federal authorities will assume control, pending approval from the National Assembly.

What Next?

While Tinubu assured that judicial activities will remain unaffected, the decision has sparked reactions across the country, with political stakeholders and civil rights groups weighing in on the development. The opposition PDP has strongly condemned the move, calling it “a dangerous precedent in democratic governance.”

The situation remains tense as security operatives take charge of key government institutions in Rivers State. More updates to follow.

Stay with us for more details.