Nigeria’s President Declares Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu declared an emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers due to a political crisis and vandalism of oil pipelines. The suspension is to last for six months, with retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas appointed as military administrator. This is the first emergency declaration in over a decade, met with criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association regarding its legality.
The Nigerian president has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, resulting in the suspension of its governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as well as elected lawmakers. This drastic action stems from ongoing political tensions and issues of pipeline vandalism affecting Nigeria’s oil production. The president’s announcement followed a brewing conflict between the governor and lawmakers, many loyal to his predecessor, who initiated an impeachment process against him, alleging various budgetary irregularities.
In a state broadcast, President Bola Tinubu expressed dissatisfaction with Governor Fubara’s inaction regarding recent pipeline vandalism, specifically citing a blast on the Trans Niger Pipeline. Tinubu emphasized that no responsible president could overlook the situation, stating, “With all these and many more, no good and responsible president will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the constitution to address the situation in the state.”
To manage the situation, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas will take on the role of military administrator in Rivers State while the judiciary remains operational. The military has already positioned trucks at the government facility in response to the announcement. This emergency declaration marks a significant moment in Nigeria, being the first in over a decade amid a backdrop of previous military governance and instability.
The Nigerian Bar Association has publicly contested the legality of such suspensions, with its president stating, “A declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments.” This emergency follows a similar declaration made by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 under different circumstances in northeastern Nigeria, without impacting the states’ governors.
In summary, President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency in Rivers State is a rare and significant action aimed at addressing severe political and infrastructural challenges. The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the delegation of military governance to Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas underscores the urgency of the situation, though the legality of such actions remains contested by legal authorities. This unprecedented move reflects Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with governance, democracy, and the preservation of law and order within its oil-rich regions.
Original Source: www.wral.com
