Update: Tinubu suspends executive, legislative arms in state of emergency in declaration in Rivers

Citing the protracted political turmoil and paralysis of governance, President Bola Tinubu has proclaimed a state of emergency in Rivers State.

“No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency.

“By this declaration, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”

The declaration comes just hours after another explosion was reported at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

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Earlier, on the same day, the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), went up in flames, further escalating tensions in the state.

Regarding the president’s proclamation of a state of emergency in the state, the Rivers State Government has said it is too soon to react.

When contacted immediately after the declaration by the president, the Commissioner of Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, said it was too hasty for the government to take any position.

Johnson said: “The president has made a declaration, and what do you think we can say? I think it is too hasty to make any comment about it.”

President Tinubu have nominated Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state for the period.