President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The President announced this in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, citing the need to restore stability following prolonged political unrest in the oil-rich state.
“In line with this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly are hereby suspended for six months,” Tinubu stated.
To oversee governance, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator.
“I hereby appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the Administrator to manage the affairs of Rivers State in the interest of its people. However, this does not affect the judiciary, which will continue to discharge its constitutional duties,” he added.
Quoting Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu emphasized that the decision was necessary to restore peace and order. He further disclosed that the proclamation had been published in the Federal Gazette and submitted to the National Assembly.
“This intervention aims to restore stability and ensure that all political actors in Rivers State and Nigeria uphold constitutional principles,” the President stated.
