President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to political tension and security issues. The APC supports the declaration, hoping it will restore order amidst rising oil pipeline vandalism. Governor Fubara and other officials have been suspended, and retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas will oversee the state’s affairs.
In a recent nationwide broadcast, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tension and alarming security reports. The declaration has received support from the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ajibola Basiru, who expressed optimism that this measure will restore peace and order in the state.
President Tinubu emphasized that recent security assessments indicated a rise in acts of oil pipeline vandalism by militants, highlighting the governor’s lack of response to these pressing issues. In light of this situation, Mr. Basiru criticized both the executive and legislative branches in Rivers for failing to protect citizens’ welfare and security, characterizing the state as one that was approaching a crisis.
As part of the emergency measures, President Tinubu has suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected legislators for an initial term of six months. He has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to administer the state’s affairs during this period, with directives for security agencies to ensure the protection of lives, property, and critical infrastructure such as oil pipelines.
Although the declaration does not interfere with the state’s judiciary, which will continue to operate within its constitutional framework, Mr. Basiru cautioned the Osun State governor to take note of this situation. He mentioned that neglecting the reinstatement of court-recognized local government councils might lead to a similar emergency declaration in Osun.
President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers aims to address severe security challenges marked by political tension and oil pipeline vandalism. With the support of the APC, this decision is deemed necessary to restore order in the state, while the suspension of local officials aims to facilitate better governance. The appointment of a new administrator and the directive for security enhancement underscores the critical nature of the situation in Rivers State.
Original Source: allafrica.com
