President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political unrest and the destruction of critical oil infrastructure by militants.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday night, the president announced the extraordinary measure, emphasizing the need to restore law and order in the oil-rich state, which has been plagued by a deepening political crisis.
The declaration effectively suspends normal governmental operations in the state and places its administration under federal oversight until stability is restored.
Tinubu attributed the decision to the deteriorating security situation, highlighting reports of multiple attacks on vital oil pipelines—an issue with far-reaching implications for the nation’s economy.
He condemned the acts of sabotage, warning that they not only jeopardized Nigeria’s economic lifeline but also posed grave security risks to residents.
According to the president, neither Governor Siminalayi Fubara nor his deputy reached out to the federal government during the unrest, prompting his intervention.
“The federal government cannot remain passive while Rivers State descends into chaos, despite the escalating crisis, there was no engagement from the state’s leadership, and I cannot stand by as lives and critical infrastructure are threatened.”
Rivers State has been embroiled in a protracted political standoff, marked by fierce confrontations between opposing factions within the state government. The crisis has fueled widespread instability, including violent clashes, disruptions to governance, and economic sabotage.
While details of the emergency measures remain unclear, analysts expect a temporary suspension of certain democratic processes, the deployment of security forces to quell unrest, and the appointment of a federally designated administrator to oversee governance in the interim.
The declaration has elicited mixed reactions across the country. Supporters of the move argue that it is a necessary step to prevent further deterioration, while critics warn of potential overreach and the implications for democratic governance.
