Amid escalating political turmoil in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has imposed a state of emergency, citing governance instability and a prolonged leadership crisis.
As part of the directive, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly members have been suspended from office for six months.
Addressing the nation in an emergency broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu voiced grave concerns over the unfolding crisis and the urgent need to restore order.
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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 announcement follows reports of yet another explosion at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
Earlier that day, a fire broke out on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, managed by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), intensifying unrest in the region.
