Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara
Amid Political Crisis, Tinubu Intervenes in Rivers State
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns. The president made the announcement during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.
To oversee governance in the oil-rich state during this period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the interim administrator.
The president’s decision follows weeks of political turmoil fueled by the ongoing feud between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his former political protégé, Governor Fubara. The power struggle between the two factions has reportedly led to vandalism, threats of mass protests by civil servants, and sabotage of vital oil infrastructure.
Legal Grounds for Emergency Rule
Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the president authority to declare a state of emergency when national security, public order, or governance is at risk.
“The latest security reports show disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants without any decisive action from the governor. As a responsible president, I cannot allow this grave situation to persist without taking constitutional measures to restore peace, order, and effective governance,” Tinubu stated.
He emphasized that despite Fubara’s failure to formally request federal intervention as required by law, the escalating crisis left him with no option but to invoke emergency powers.
Administrative Oversight During Emergency Rule
With the declaration in effect, Ibas will assume control of Rivers State’s administration but will not have legislative powers. The judiciary remains unaffected and will continue to function as mandated by the constitution.
“The administrator is not authorized to enact new laws but may propose necessary regulations. These will be reviewed by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the president,” Tinubu clarified.
He further assured Nigerians that the intervention aims solely at stabilizing the state and upholding constitutional governance, rather than usurping democratic structures permanently.
Echoes of Past Emergency Declarations
This move mirrors previous state-of-emergency declarations, such as former President Goodluck Jonathan’s action in 2013, when emergency rule was imposed on Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states due to insurgency threats. A similar declaration was made in 2011 in parts of Yobe, Borno, Plateau, and Niger states, leading to temporary border closures and heightened security measures.
Observers warn that Tinubu’s intervention could set a precedent for future federal actions in politically unstable states. However, supporters argue that the president’s decision was necessary to prevent Rivers from descending into chaos.
As tensions remain high, all eyes will be on the federal government’s next steps in ensuring stability and a return to normal governance in Rivers State.
Reactions and Future Implications
The declaration has sparked mixed reactions across the political landscape. While some stakeholders hail it as a bold move to prevent anarchy, others criticize it as an overreach that undermines democratic governance.
With Rivers State being a key economic hub due to its oil wealth, the unfolding situation will likely have broader implications for Nigeria’s political and economic stability.
As the nation awaits further developments, the question remains: will this intervention restore order or deepen the crisis in Rivers State?
Reference
Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara