President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns. In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

The president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the military administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period. The move comes amid a prolonged power struggle between Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over control of the state’s political structure.

Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the president authority to impose emergency rule in cases of national crisis, disaster, or security threats. He cited recent incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants and the governor’s alleged failure to act as reasons for the drastic measure.

“The latest security reports show disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalization without the governor taking action,” Tinubu stated. “No responsible president can allow such a grave situation to continue without taking necessary remedial steps.”

Under the emergency provisions, the judicial arm of the state remains functional, while the newly appointed administrator will oversee governance without enacting new laws. However, any regulations deemed necessary must be approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the president.

The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly, in line with constitutional requirements.

This marks the first state of emergency imposed by Tinubu’s administration, echoing similar actions taken by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 when emergency rule was declared in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states due to insurgency.

The development signals a significant intervention in Rivers State’s political crisis, with Tinubu expressing hope that the measure will restore peace and order in the oil-rich region.