By Esi-ife Arogundade
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for calm following his suspension from office by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night.
Fubara was caught unawares when Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers during a nationwide broadcast.
The declaration came amid escalating tensions and, in the president’s view, a perceived breakdown of law and order in the state.
Citing the urgent need to restore stability, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s new administrator with a mandate, to guide its affairs during this tumultuous time.
Shortly after the announcement, military personnel were reported to have taken control of the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt, reportedly while Fubara was still present.
This military intervention highlighted the seriousness of the state of emergency enacted by the President.
In his address, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation in state, which he stated had resisted political solutions, hindered development, and deprived the populace of the benefits of democracy.
He articulated, “It has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution… to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.”
The President emphasized that the emergency declaration would not interfere with the judicial arm of the state, which will continue to operate under its constitutional responsibilities.
The new administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas, has been given the authority to formulate regulations as necessary, although these will require federal approval before implementation.
The declaration has been officially published in the Federal Gazette, with a copy sent to the National Assembly as mandated by the Constitution.
Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore peace and order in Rivers State and remind political actors of their constitutional responsibilities.
In response to his suspension, Governor Fubara issued a statement calling for calm among the citizens of Rivers.
He pledged to engage with relevant institutions to uphold democracy and ensure the state’s continued progress.
In his statement, Fubara criticized the members of the House of Assembly loyal to his predecessor and former governor Nyesom Wike, claiming they had obstructed his attempts to comply with a Supreme Court ruling aimed at restoring order. “
“My dear Rivers people, I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to constitutional order and the rule of law.
As the political situation in Rivers State unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain on how this emergency rule will affect governance and stability in the region.
