Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers, suspends governor and lawmakers

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions in the region.

In a nationwide broadcast, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis, specifically accusing Governor Siminalayi Fubara of ordering the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex.

Following a thorough assessment of the situation, the president announced that the emergency measures would take effect from March 18.

As part of the declaration, Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months. Additionally, all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were also suspended.

In their place, he appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Administrator of the state, entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing governance during the emergency period.

However, Tinubu clarified that the declaration would not interfere with the state’s judicial system, which would continue to function as mandated by the constitution.

He further stated that the Administrator would not have the power to introduce new laws but could propose necessary regulations.

These regulations, however, would require approval from the Federal Executive Council before implementation.

The president’s decision followed a high-level security meeting held earlier in the day at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The meeting, which started around 3 p.m., was attended by service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

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