Nigerian President Bola Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to an explosion on the Trans-Niger Pipeline. The president cited the governor’s failure to address pipeline vandalism as a key reason for this decision. Former navy chief Ibokette Ibas will act as caretaker for six months as the state faces a significant governance crisis.
The Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara following an explosion on the Trans-Niger Pipeline. Although the police have not confirmed the cause, they have not ruled out vandalism or sabotage by militant groups. Reports indicated that there had been a pattern of “disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines” by militants without any intervention from the governor.
President Tinubu criticized Governor Fubara for his inaction, emphasizing that it is unacceptable for a responsible leader to ignore such grave situations. In a televised address, he stated, “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.”
Alongside the suspension of Governor Fubara, Tinubu announced that various elected officials, including state lawmakers, would also be suspended for six months. He highlighted an ongoing power struggle within the state that has hindered its governance and led to impeachment attempts against Fubara by his predecessor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.
In his address, President Tinubu remarked on the intolerable crisis in the state, asserting that without resolution, democratic governance cannot prosper. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, Nigeria’s former navy chief, has been appointed as the caretaker to oversee Rivers State’s administration for an initial six-month term.
The suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu, along with the declaration of a state of emergency, underscores the severe challenges posed by pipeline vandalism and governance crises in the region. The swift response illustrates the government’s commitment to restoring order and tackling the ongoing security issues affecting the vital oil industry in Nigeria.
Original Source: www.dw.com
