In Nigeria’s capital of Abuja, President Bola Tinubu has announced a state of emergency in the oil-rich Rivers state. This decision comes amidst a political crisis and increased vandalism of pipelines, crucial to the country’s status as Africa’s leading oil producer.
Tensions in Rivers have been escalating for months between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers, many of whom are aligned with his predecessor. Recent developments saw lawmakers initiating impeachment proceedings against the governor, citing alleged irregularities in the state budget and legislative chamber composition.
President Tinubu, in a televised address, revealed the suspension of the governor and other elected officials for a period of six months. He criticized Governor Fubara for failing to address the recent surge in pipeline vandalism, which culminated in a destructive blast on the Trans Niger Pipeline.
To maintain order in Rivers state, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a retired navy chief, has been appointed as the military administrator while the judiciary will continue to operate. Following the announcement, military presence was swiftly increased at the Rivers State Government House.
The declaration of emergency, permitted by the Nigerian Constitution in rare circumstances, marks the first such instance in over a decade. The move has sparked debate, with the Nigerian Bar Association denouncing the suspensions as unlawful, stating that emergency rule does not automatically dissolve elected state governments.
The last emergency in Nigeria was declared in 2013 by President Goodluck Jonathan during the Boko Haram insurgency in northeastern states. However, unlike the current situation, the state governors remained in office during that period.
