Abuja– Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following a prolonged political crisis in the southern part of the country.
In a national broadcast on Tuesday night, Tinubu said the state of emergency was necessary to invoke the amended provision of Article 305 of the country’s 1999 constitution, which came into effect with immediate effect.
“By this proclamation, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalaya Fubara, and all elected members of the Rivers House of Assembly, are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” the president said.
Suspected armed militants, who are advocating a political deadlock, have threatened to attack some oil installations in the state. At least two oil installations in the state were attacked by unidentified assailants between Monday night and Tuesday.
After meeting with the country’s security chiefs, Tinubu said the state of emergency was partly prompted by the attacks on oil installations.
The president nominated retired military officer Iboket Ibas as administrator to take charge of the state government. “I firmly hope that this indispensable intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State.”
Emergency declaration in Nigeria
