President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a six-month State of Emergency in Rivers State, citing a failure by the state’s Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu, to request such a measure as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution.
In his declaration, Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the Constitution, noting that after careful reflection and evaluation of the political situation in the state, it became necessary to take decisive action for the well-being of Rivers State. The President announced the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
To ensure continuity of governance, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State. The judicial arm of the state will continue its operations in accordance with its constitutional role, unaffected by the state of emergency.
This declaration is aimed at stabilizing the state and safeguarding its interests.
