The Nigerian Senate on Thursday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, following the prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly.
The decision was announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio after a two-hour closed-door session.
In a nationwide emergency broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Rivers State, stating that governance had come to a standstill.
“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,” he said.
He cited the unresolved demolition of the State House of Assembly complex and the failure of past mediation efforts as key factors in his decision.
As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Fubara and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
“No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency,” Tinubu said.
Vice Admiral Ibas was sworn in on Wednesday to oversee the state’s administration during the emergency period.
More details to follow.
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