The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, following a closed-door session.
This decision comes in response to escalating political instability and recent incidents of pipeline vandalism in the oil-rich region.
The crisis in Rivers State intensified due to tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers, many of whom are aligned with his predecessor.
Lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara over alleged illegal budget presentations and issues concerning the composition of the legislative chamber. Compounding the political unrest, a recent explosion on the Trans Niger Pipeline led to significant disruptions in oil production, prompting federal intervention.
In his address, President Tinubu criticized Governor Fubara for failing to address the pipeline vandalism, stating, “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.” Consequently, the President suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette I … has been appointed as the military administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
The Senate’s approval of the emergency measures grants President Tinubu the authority to enforce these actions, with a mandate to review the situation periodically and consider terminating the state of emergency within six months. Additionally, the National Assembly has established a joint committee from both chambers to oversee the administration of Rivers State during this period. The Senate also resolved to form a mediation committee comprising eminent Nigerians to help resolve the state’s political crisis.
This declaration marks the first state of emergency in Nigeria in over a decade. The Nigerian Bar Association has criticized the suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional, emphasizing that such a declaration does not automatically dissolve or suspend … .
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