President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to ongoing political instability, suspending the governor, deputy, and assembly members
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the ongoing political turmoil that has plagued the oil-rich region since September 2023.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, the President announced the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
To oversee the state during this emergency period, Tinubu appointed retired Admiral Ibokette Ibas, former Chief of Naval Staff, as the administrator.
This move aims to restore order and stability to a state that has been grappling with persistent political unrest.
Under the 1999 Constitution, Section 305 grants the President the authority to declare a state of emergency in cases of significant instability.
The declaration must be published in the government gazette and transmitted to the National Assembly for approval.
A two-thirds majority of the National Assembly is required to validate the proclamation, ensuring a system of checks and balances.
This marks the fourth time in Nigeria’s democratic history that a sitting President has declared a state of emergency. The previous instances include:
1. **Plateau State (2004):** In May 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State after a surge in ethno-religious violence.
The governor and state assembly were suspended, and Major General Chris Alli (retd.) was appointed administrator to restore order.
2. **Ekiti State (2006):** A leadership crisis in Ekiti State led to a state of emergency in October 2006 following the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose. Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was appointed administrator until stability was restored.
3. **Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013):** Amid the escalating Boko Haram insurgency, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in these states on May 14, 2013.
Unlike previous instances, the governors and assemblies were not suspended; instead, the federal government deployed additional troops and imposed curfews.
With Rivers State now under emergency rule, the political crisis in the state will be closely monitored by both national and international observers.
This unprecedented step by President Tinubu highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the ongoing instability and ensuring that peace and order are restored in the region.
