BREAKING: Tinubu declares State of Emergency in Rivers, suspends Fubara, Deputy, others

President Bola Tinubu has announced a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the ongoing political instability and lack of governance.

In a national broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that the crisis has left the state in disarray.

“I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance,” he said.

He further lamented the failure to rebuild the House of Assembly, which Governor Siminalayi Fubara demolished 14 months ago, despite several interventions.

“Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did. But their efforts have been to no avail. 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,” Tinubu announced.

The declaration follows an explosion at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. Earlier the same day, the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), also caught fire, adding to the growing tension in the state.