Despite opposition calls to reject the State of Emergency in Rivers State, the National Assembly has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule, citing the ongoing political crisis in the region. In a separate assembly meeting, the Senate and the House of Representatives backed the move while deliberating on the suspension of the state’s governor, his deputy, and state Assembly members. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, however, broke his silence on Thursday, refuting allegations by the Federal Government that he mobilise attacks on oil installations by militant groups.
He also denied claims that he failed to rebuild the bombed State House of Assembly complex after ordering its demolition. Fubara insisted that the Demolition was based on expert advice due to the building’s structural integrity issues. His Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, stated that the governor had consistently prioritised Peace and Security in the state, emphasising his commitment to protecting oil facilities and fostering economic stability. The statement addressed the allegations head-on, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated.
Fubara denies the allegations and blames Wike for escalating tensions.
The state governor further pointed to comments made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the catalyst for the unrest. According to Fubara, Wike’s disparaging remarks about the Ijaw nation during a media chat provoked widespread outrage among stakeholders in the Niger Delta, including elders, youth groups, and militant factions. Despite demands for an apology, Wike reportedly refused to retract his statements, further inflaming regional tensions. The governor noted his administration’s efforts to enhance security and protect critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines.
Furthermore, he stated that his administration had invested in security agencies’ Welfare and operational capacity, providing them with vehicles, gunboats, and other resources to combat threats effectively. Fubara emphasised that his commitment to peace had increased oil production and Revenue for the country since he assumed office in May 2023. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd), the Sole Administrator appointed to govern Rivers State following Fubara’s suspension, assumed office on Thursday and issued a warning against lawlessness and violence.
Sole administrator warns against violence, vows to restore order.
In his maiden state-wide broadcast, Ibas declared that attacks on oil installations and other critical national assets would not be tolerated under his watch. He described his appointment as a call to service, emphasising his commitment to restoring peace, stability, and progress in Rivers State. Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, acknowledged the state’s challenges, including the political impasse that has disrupted governance and deepened divisions among the people. He pledged to work with all stakeholders, including elders, political leaders, and civil society, to rebuild trust and create a conducive environment for economic activities to thrive. Ibas also assured residents that civil liberties and fundamental Human Rights would be respected but warned that those seeking to destabilise the state would face the full force of the law.
Even with the National Assembly’s endorsement, opposition leaders and elders in Rivers State have raised concerns about the emergency rule. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi called on lawmakers to reject the proclamation, describing it as an unconstitutional power grab. The South-South Governors’ Forum also urged Tinubu to reconsider the decision, arguing that the political crisis in Rivers State did not meet the constitutional threshold for a state of emergency.
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Responding to the Assembly’s support, President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its swift and decisive action, describing the emergency rule as necessary to safeguard national economic security and restore democratic accountability. He emphasised that the crisis in Rivers State had reached a perilous tipping point, threatening vital oil and gas installations and undermining the nation’s economic progress. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the National Assembly to advance peace, stability, and equitable development across Nigeria.