by Ola Williams-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns.
“The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started,” Tinubu announced in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday. “Despite my personal interventions to mediate, all efforts to resolve the situation have been ignored. It is now imperative that the federal government steps in to restore stability.”
To oversee the affairs of the state during the emergency period, the president has appointed retired military chief Ekwe Ibas as the administrator. The move follows rising violence stemming from the ongoing political feud between former Governor Nyesom Wike and current Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Political tensions in Rivers have escalated in recent months, with Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, allegedly working to unseat Fubara. Their prolonged rivalry has sparked unrest across the state, leading to violent clashes between supporters.
In the wake of the turmoil, major petrol pipelines in the state were reportedly sabotaged by suspected militants, exacerbating the crisis. The federal government, citing security concerns and threats to critical infrastructure, has now taken what it calls “necessary and decisive action.”
“This is not a decision we take lightly,” Tinubu stated. “However, we cannot allow Rivers State to descend into further chaos. The safety and welfare of the people remain our top priority.”
The declaration marks a significant escalation in federal intervention, with security forces expected to enforce stability measures under Ibas’ leadership. Reactions from political stakeholders and the public remain divided, with some supporting the move as a necessary step
