President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State for a period of six months following escalating political tensions and security concerns.
In a decisive move, the President, based on section 305 of the Constitution of Nigeria as amended, appointed a sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs, effective immediately.
The president therefore, declared the Governor of Rivers State, Similaye Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature suspended for a period of six months with immediate effect.
The announcement came during a televised national address from Aso Rock, where President Tinubu cited “the urgent need to restore law and order, safeguard lives, and stabilize governance” as key reasons for the intervention.
The President named cross River born Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas as the sole administrator. Ibas, a seasoned military officer with extensive experience in crisis management, is tasked with restoring order and overseeing the state’s administration until normalcy returns.
Rivers State has been embroiled in political turmoil for months, marked by clashes between rival political factions, protests, and a surge in violent incidents. The situation reached a boiling point last week after a series of attacks on government institutions and reports of widespread intimidation against political opponents.
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