Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers; suspends Fubara, deputy, lawmakers
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State over the lingering political crisis in the state.
The President’s action means all elected officials ìn the state will remain suspended for six months. They include Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy and all members of the State House of Assembly.
In a nationwide emergency broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the situation.
He said: “I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance.
“Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did. But their efforts have been to no avail.
“No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency.
“By this declaration, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”
The declaration came hours after two explosion on oil facilities were reported in the state.
The latest explosion was in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, while the first affected the Trans-Niger Pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
