The Nigerian Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, following the House of Representatives’ earlier endorsement.
This move grants the President constitutional authority to implement emergency measures aimed at restoring stability in the state.
The state of emergency comes amid escalating political tensions and concerns over pipeline vandalism in the oil-rich region. As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers have been suspended for six months. In their place, President Tinubu has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the military administrator to oversee governance in the state during this period.
The decision has sparked controversy, with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) criticizing the suspension of elected officials, arguing that it is unconstitutional. The NBA stated that a declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend a democratically elected government.
This marks the first time in over a decade that emergency rule has been imposed in Nigeria. The situation in Rivers State will be subject to periodic reviews, with a final assessment mandated within six months.
More details to follow.
video credit: Ait
