Breaking: President Tinubu Suspends Rivers Governor, House Of Assembly, Declares State Of Emergency

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis that has disrupted governance and threatened security in the region.

As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended for an initial period of six months.

In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the federal government expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in Rivers State, which has led to the collapse of legislative governance, security threats, and economic disruptions.

President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast, lamented the failure of several intervention efforts, including those by the judiciary and prominent stakeholders, to resolve the political turmoil.

He noted that the Supreme Court had ruled that the Rivers State government was unconstitutional due to the absence of a functional legislature, following the governor’s alleged role in the demolition of the House of Assembly complex in December 2023.

“With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state,” President Tinubu stated.

To restore order, the President announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State.

The administrator will oversee governance without enacting new laws but may implement necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council. The judiciary will continue to function independently under the state of emergency.

President Tinubu assured the people of Rivers State that the intervention was in their best interest and aimed at restoring democratic governance, security, and stability.

He further directed security agencies to safeguard lives and critical infrastructure in the state.