President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and worsening pipeline vandalism. The directive, announced on Tuesday, includes the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
The decision follows months of political wrangling in the oil-rich state, where tensions between the governor and state legislators have led to governance gridlock. The crisis escalated after lawmakers attempted to impeach Fubara over allegations of unauthorised budgetary actions and executive overreach.
In a statement from the presidency, Tinubu justified the emergency measure, citing the breakdown of law and order, which he said posed a threat to national security. The president further attributed the decision to the surge in pipeline sabotage, which he linked to militant groups allegedly aligned with the embattled governor. A recent fire outbreak on the Trans Niger Pipeline, a critical infrastructure for the country’s oil exports, has exacerbated concerns about economic sabotage.
To restore stability, Tinubu has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, former Chief of Naval Staff, as the military administrator of Rivers State. His mandate includes ensuring security, maintaining governance, and protecting critical assets. The judiciary will, however, continue to function independently, allowing for legal redress where necessary.
The emergency declaration has drawn mixed reactions. While some stakeholders argue it is a necessary intervention to curb anarchy and economic losses, critics, including the Nigerian Bar Association, have questioned its constitutionality, particularly the suspension of elected officials.
This marks the first time in over a decade that Nigeria has invoked emergency powers in a state, highlighting the gravity of the crisis. The Senate is expected to review the measure in the coming weeks as the situation continues to unfold.
