In a shocking move, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday evening, citing the urgent need to restore law and order in the state. This dramatic announcement was made during a nationwide broadcast, and it came with significant consequences: Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial period of six months.

Governor Anambra State, Siminalayi Fubara

According to President Tinubu, the decision was made necessary by the persistent crisis in Rivers State, which has rendered the state ungovernable. The president had previously made efforts to intervene in the crisis, but to no avail. With the declaration of a state of emergency, the president aims to restore peace, order, and good governance in the state.

In the interim, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the Administrator of Rivers State, tasked with overseeing the affairs of the state for the next six months. The judicial arm of the state will continue to function as usual, but the Administrator will have the power to formulate regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council.

In response to the suspension, Governor Fubara called for calm and unity in a statement he signed addressing the people of Rivers State. “We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive,” he said.

The suspended governor reflected on the challenges faced during his tenure, stating that despite the political crisis, he had always prioritized the well-being of Rivers people. Fubara explained that all his actions and decisions had been in line with his constitutional duties, emphasizing that even amid the political impasse, his focus remained on the protection of lives and property, and advancing the state’s progress.

He blamed members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for frustrating his efforts to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling. “At every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult,” he said.

The governor reiterated that despite the ongoing political disagreements, governance in the state continued. “Good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the state forward,” he added.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has reassured citizens that the state remains “safe, secure, and peaceful” despite current challenges. He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding during this critical period. Fubara emphasized his commitment to engaging with relevant institutions to strengthen democracy and ensure the state’s continued prosperity.

The governor concluded his message by appealing to the people of Rivers to continue addressing the situation with wisdom, patience, and unshakeable faith in the democratic process. He emphasized the remarkable resilience of the state’s citizens in overcoming challenges, encouraging them to remain steadfast and united in the face of adversity.