President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing governance collapse and security threats. Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi affirmed the need for intervention to protect the nation’s economic interests. Governor Fubara and elected officials are suspended for six months, with Vice Admiral Ibas appointed as sole administrator to restore stability.
The Federal Government has justified President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it as a necessary measure to safeguard Nigeria’s critical economic interests. Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, made this statement during a press briefing at the Aso Rock Villa, emphasizing the urgency of preventing a governance collapse in the oil-rich state.
Fagbemi reiterated that the growing unrest in Rivers State had been escalating for some time, and prior attempts at intervention by the President and civic leaders had been ineffective. He noted, “The President has made several attempts to intervene… The situation in which the critical economic life of the nation… cannot continue.”
Recent events in the state included two explosions at pipelines operated by Shell, highlighting security concerns alongside political instability. The ongoing power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has severely hampered governance and resulted in constitutional violations.
In response to these issues, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency and suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected representatives in the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. The declaration cited enduring political turmoil and security threats as the basis for this action.
Additionally, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) has been appointed as the sole administrator to manage state affairs until normalcy is restored. Tinubu remarked, “Having soberly reflected on… the political situation… it has become inevitably compelling… to declare a state of emergency.”
The declaration has sparked diverse reactions; while some stakeholders praise the decisive action, others question its impact on democracy and the rule of law. Political analysts urge a swift resolution of the crisis to prevent lingering instability in the region.
In summary, President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State aims to address critical governance and security challenges. The Federal Government, through Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, supports this action as necessary to protect Nigeria’s economic interests. With the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas as sole administrator, stakeholders are keenly observing the potential outcomes and implications for the state’s political landscape and democratic integrity.
Original Source: nairametrics.com