Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor and Lawmakers

Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor and Lawmakers

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following the prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months. To oversee the state's affairs during this period, he appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State.

The Rivers State Government, through Commissioner for Information and Communications Joseph Johnson, stated that it is "too early" to comment on the decision, indicating that they are still assessing the situation.

The crisis in Rivers State has been ongoing for months, with tensions between the current administration and political factions aligned with former Governor Wike.