Tinubu Set to Declare State of Emergency in Rivers Amid Rising Political Tensions
Tensions Escalate as Impeachment Moves, Protests, and Pipeline Explosion Rock Oil-Rich State
President Bola Tinubu is reportedly preparing to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State as the political crisis in the oil-rich region worsens.
Two sources from the presidency confirmed on Tuesday morning that the announcement could be made soon.
The crisis stems from an ongoing power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, with efforts to remove the governor intensifying.
On Monday, the Rivers State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing allegations of gross misconduct.
In response to the escalating tension, President Tinubu is reportedly considering appointing retired military chief Ekwe Ibas to oversee the state during the emergency period.
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Adding to the unrest, a late-night explosion on Monday rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, sparking fears of sabotage. Investigations into the cause of the blast are currently underway.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted across the state, with residents voicing opposition to the impeachment move.
Amid the mounting crisis, President Tinubu convened a high-level security meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday. Present at the meeting were Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and DSS Director General Oluwatosin Ajayi.
Top lawmakers, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu, also attended.
While details of the meeting remain undisclosed, sources suggest the discussions focused on the escalating situation in Rivers State and the next steps to restore stability.
