President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the prolonged political crisis and governance paralysis that have gripped the oil-rich state for months.
In a nationwide emergency broadcast on Tuesday, the President expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that the political turmoil had stalled governance and deprived the people of basic leadership.
Addressing Nigerians, Tinubu 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, including myself, have intervened, 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.”
The state of emergency declaration comes just hours after yet another explosion at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, further heightening tensions in Rivers. The incident occurred on the same day that the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), was engulfed in flames.
