BREAKING NEWS:- Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers State, Suspends Fubara For 6 Months

BREAKING NEWS:- Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers State, Suspends Fubara For 6 Months

President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday night, citing a prolonged political crisis that has crippled governance and threatened peace and security in the state. In a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the escalating situation, which has left the state at a standstill and deprived its citizens of the dividends of democracy.

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The president accused Governor Siminilayi Fubara of demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly building and failing to rebuild it, effectively crippling the legislative arm of government. Despite numerous interventions, the contending parties have refused to resolve the crisis, leading to a complete breakdown of governance.

Tinubu also suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. To oversee the affairs of the state during this period, the president appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator.

The declaration of a state of emergency grants the government sweeping powers, including the deployment of armed forces to maintain security, unwarranted searches of private property, and the restriction of rights such as freedom of assembly and expression. However, the judicial arm of the state will continue to function independently in line with its constitutional mandate.

Tinubu also suspended all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State and nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state” – Tinubu said.

This decision comes hours after Tinubu met with his service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

The meeting which began around 3pm, also had Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele in attendance.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, also arrived at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa.