Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in oil-rich Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, and all state lawmakers amid escalating security and political tensions.
In a televised address, Tinubu cited recent intelligence reports of “disturbing incidents” of pipeline vandalism by militants, accusing state authorities of failing to act. “No responsible president can stand by and allow this grave situation to continue unchecked,” he said.
The move follows a fire on the Trans Niger Pipeline, a critical oil transport route, which police are currently investigating. Rivers State, located in the volatile Niger Delta, has long been a hotspot for militant attacks on oil infrastructure, disrupting Nigeria’s crude production and exports.
The state has also been embroiled in a fierce political power struggle within the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with lawmakers threatening to impeach the governor and his deputy.
Under the emergency declaration, the federal government gains direct control of the state’s administration, allowing for increased security deployments if necessary. Tinubu appointed a retired vice admiral as caretaker governor for an initial six-month period.
The president has sent his proclamation to the National Assembly, which has the power to approve or overturn his decision. However, he assured that the state’s judicial system would remain operational.
This latest intervention underscores the federal government’s growing concerns over both security and political instability in one of Nigeria’s most economically vital regions.
