President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday evening, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six months.
Tinubu’s decision, made during a nationwide broadcast, was prompted by what he described as an alarming breakdown of law and order in the state.
“In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State… I have decided to declare a state of emergency,” he stated.
The President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the new administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs.
Tinubu assured that the state’s judicial arm would continue its functions under the constitution, while the administrator would focus on restoring peace and governance.
In a swift move following the declaration, soldiers were deployed to the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt.
An insider confirmed that while troops secured the premises, Governor Fubara was still in his official residence as of 9 p.m. “There are soldiers inside the Government House, but the governor is in his residence,” the source said.
Security forces also stationed an armored personnel carrier at the entrance to the Government House as part of a broader security operation.
The presence of military personnel further heightened the already tense atmosphere in the state, where residents and motorists rushed home as news of the state of emergency spread.
Governor Fubara responded to his suspension with a call for calm. In a statement, he blamed political interference for the state’s instability and vowed to continue working for peace.
“We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive,” Fubara said.
The political unrest has been ongoing for months, with Fubara at odds with lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.
The House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara earlier this week, accusing him of misconduct. The governor’s allies argue that the legal actions against him are politically motivated.
Amid the escalating political crisis, militants have threatened attacks on oil facilities in the region. This comes after multiple explosions were reported at pipelines in Rivers State, further intensifying security concerns.
The police have already arrested suspects in connection with the blasts, which were believed to be tied to illegal bunkering activities.
Opposition groups, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have criticized the emergency declaration as unconstitutional. NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) argued that the 1999 Constitution does not allow the President to unilaterally remove elected officials.
“The Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials,” Osigwe said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned Tinubu’s actions, accusing the President of political manipulation and failing to prevent the growing unrest. “Tinubu’s failure to prevent the escalating crisis in Rivers is an unforgivable mistake,” Atiku posted on social media.