Nigerian President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing a prolonged political crisis and governance paralysis in the oil-rich region.
In a nationwide address, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state’s House of Assembly for six months.
He attributed the decision to security concerns and the governor’s failure to address recent acts of vandalism targeting oil pipelines.
“The latest security reports show that between yesterday and today, militants vandalized pipelines without any action from the governor.
I have issued stern orders to security agencies to ensure the safety of Rivers State residents and critical infrastructure,” Tinubu stated.
The political turmoil in Rivers State has escalated in recent months, with Fubara accused of gross misconduct, mismanagement of public funds, and obstructing legislative functions.
The state’s House of Assembly had declared an indefinite recess, preventing the presentation of the 2025 budget, further deepening the crisis.
Tinubu’s move aligns with constitutional provisions that define a state of emergency as a response to national danger or disaster.
As part of the emergency measures, the president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance during the six-month suspension.
Rivers State, a key hub in Nigeria’s oil industry, has long been a flashpoint of political and economic tensions.
Tinubu’s intervention underscores the federal government’s determination to restore stability and safeguard national interests in the region.
