In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday evening declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political instability and the need to restore order. The announcement, made in a nationwide broadcast, saw the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. The President also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Administrator of the state to oversee its affairs during the emergency period.
Hours after the declaration, military tanks and soldiers descended upon the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, the state’s capital. Sources inside the Government House reported that Governor Fubara was still present at his official residence when the troops arrived, surrounding the complex around 9 pm. An armoured personnel carrier (APC) was stationed at the entrance of the building, with several Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) parked outside, their lights flashing, as the tension in the area grew.
The presence of military forces at the government complex signaled the severity of the situation, with many wondering whether the governor would be escorted out or if any further military actions would be taken.
The declaration of a state of emergency has caused widespread panic in Port Harcourt and its surrounding areas. As news of the decision spread, residents and commuters hurried home, fearing potential unrest. Streets in the city became unusually quiet, with many people discussing the political developments in hushed tones.
For many, the imposition of military rule seemed like a drastic measure, with some citizens questioning the rationale behind the decision. However, others expressed frustration over the ongoing political impasse in the state, which has been marked by disputes between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In his broadcast, President Tinubu justified his action by citing the worsening political situation in Rivers State, which he claimed had stalled development and denied the people of the state the benefits of good governance. The President argued that political solutions had failed to resolve the crisis, and as a result, he was left with no choice but to invoke the provisions of Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution to declare a state of emergency.
Tinubu’s statement further noted that Governor Fubara and his deputy had failed to request such a declaration, which, according to the constitution, would have been the proper legal course. The President emphasized that the state of emergency was not intended to undermine democracy but to restore order in the state.
“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” the President said. “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”
In response to his suspension, Governor Fubara called for calm and urged Rivers people to remain peaceful. In a statement he personally signed, Fubara expressed his commitment to upholding the democratic process despite the President’s intervention. He blamed the political crisis on members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who were loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, alleging that they had obstructed his efforts to implement the decisions of the Supreme Court.
“We have always prioritized the security and well-being of our people, ensuring progress and the protection of lives and property. Even when faced with political challenges, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law,” Fubara said in his statement. He appealed to Rivers residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding, promising to work with all relevant institutions to ensure that democracy in the state remains strong.
The state of emergency came just hours after two explosions rocked oil pipelines in Rivers State, adding to the tension. The first blast occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline in the Bodo Community, located in the Gokana Local Government Area of the state. This pipeline transports crude oil to the Bonny Export Terminal. The explosion occurred late on Monday night, and while initial reports suggested that illegal bunkering might have been to blame, Shell, the operator of the pipeline, has yet to release an official statement.
A second explosion occurred on Tuesday morning at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa area of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, further heightening the already volatile situation. This pipeline also transports crude oil, but to the Brass terminal in Bayelsa State. The Rivers State Police confirmed the incident and announced that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the explosion. The police also launched an investigation into the possibility of sabotage or militant activity.
Local youths, angered by the political crisis, blocked the East-West Road in protest, and there have been concerns that the ongoing instability might escalate further.
Following the state of emergency declaration, the military has taken a leading role in managing the security situation in Rivers State. The deployment of soldiers to key locations, including the Rivers Government House, signals the seriousness with which the federal government views the situation. The military’s presence has raised concerns about the balance between ensuring security and maintaining democratic processes.
However, while the military action is seen by some as necessary to restore order, it has also prompted fears about the erosion of democratic freedoms, particularly with the suspension of elected officials. Critics argue that the move could set a dangerous precedent, where military force is used to resolve political disputes, rather than through dialogue and constitutional measures.
As the state of emergency enters its first 24 hours, the political landscape in Rivers State remains uncertain. With the suspension of elected officials and the appointment of an administrator, the future of Governor Fubara and his administration hangs in the balance. The situation has left many questions unanswered, including how long the state of emergency will last and what steps will be taken to address the underlying political and security issues in the state.
The declaration of a state of emergency is a drastic measure, and its impact on Rivers State’s political future will be watched closely by Nigerians. Critics of the decision argue that it undermines democracy, while supporters insist that it is a necessary step to restore peace and order in a state that has been mired in political chaos. Whatever the outcome, the situation in Rivers State is far from over, and the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the developments in the state.
