President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions and the alleged demolition of the State House of Assembly by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday night, Tinubu announced that the emergency measures would take effect from March 18. As part of the directive, Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, have been suspended for six months, along with all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
To oversee the state’s administration during this period, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State. He clarified that the judicial arm of the state would remain operational, and while the Administrator would not enact new laws, he would have the authority to introduce necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council.
The decision follows a high-level security meeting at the Presidential Villa, attended by Tinubu’s service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The move signals a significant federal intervention in the political crisis gripping Rivers State, with further developments expected in the coming days.
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