By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In a decisive move to address escalating political instability and security threats, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, and the entire State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The announcement came in a nationwide broadcast, where the President cited a breakdown of governance and worsening insecurity in the oil-rich state as the primary reasons for the intervention. According to sources within the presidency, militant activities, including the vandalism of oil pipelines, had reached alarming levels, with little to no response from the state government.
“In the interest of national security, economic stability, and the welfare of Rivers people, the federal government has taken this necessary action,” President Tinubu stated. “We cannot allow a situation where the wealth of this nation is threatened by lawlessness and political turmoil.”
Crisis in Rivers: The Build-Up to Federal Intervention
Tensions in Rivers State have been mounting over the past several months following a political rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The conflict, which started as a battle for control within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), quickly escalated into a constitutional crisis.
The state witnessed a parallel legislature, as lawmakers loyal to Fubara and those aligned with Wike engaged in conflicting sessions, leading to questions about the legitimacy of decisions taken by the Assembly. Several reports also emerged of violent confrontations between security forces and political loyalists, further exacerbating instability in the region.
Amidst the turmoil, oil production—Nigeria’s economic lifeline—became a target for armed groups, prompting concerns from both local and international stakeholders. Security analysts warned that the unrest, if left unchecked, could affect national crude output and exacerbate Nigeria’s already fragile economic situation.
Appointment of a New Administrator
As part of the emergency measures, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.), a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the interim administrator of Rivers State. His mandate includes restoring order, ensuring security in the region, and stabilizing governance structures.
Political analysts believe this appointment signals the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing security in the Niger Delta region. However, opposition figures and pro-democracy groups have raised concerns over the legality of the intervention, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for federal overreach in state affairs.
Reactions and the Road Ahead
The decision has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While some residents of Rivers State expressed relief, hoping the intervention would restore peace, others fear the move could deepen political tensions and set the stage for further legal battles.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a key opposition leader, condemned the emergency declaration, calling it “a blatant abuse of power” and urging democratic institutions to challenge it. Similarly, human rights groups have called for a clear framework to ensure that the democratic rights of Rivers people are not violated.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and constitutional lawyers have indicated that they would be reviewing the legality of the decision, with some hinting at a possible court challenge.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the state of emergency brings lasting stability or further complicates the already volatile political landscape in Rivers State.
