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Abuja – President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, prompted by an escalating political crisis. Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months.
Emergency Measures
President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s Administrator during the period. The President stated that the Administrator could issue regulations, but these require approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President. The judiciary will continue to operate independently.
President Tinubu cited his dismay over the “political crisis” and raised concerns because Governor Fubara demolished the State House of Assembly Building. The declaration of a state of emergency followed a high-level security meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Inspector-General of Police, attended the meeting. The state of emergency took effect March 18.
