Rivers in Turmoil: Fubara Rallies Supporters After Tinubu Declares State of Emergency
The political storm in Rivers State has escalated to unprecedented levels as Governor Siminalayi Fubara urges the people to remain calm and law-abiding following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state. The move, which has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape, has effectively sidelined Fubara’s administration, paving the way for the appointment of former Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
Despite the drastic turn of events, Fubara, in a passionate address to the people of Rivers, reaffirmed his commitment to constitutional governance and accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of sabotaging peace efforts.
“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else,” the embattled governor declared.
A Political Battlefield: Fubara vs. Rivers Assembly
The crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for months, with intense political battles between Fubara and factions within the state legislature. The power struggle reached a boiling point with impeachment threats against Fubara, defiant court rulings, and open rebellion from lawmakers allegedly backed by powerful political interests.
Fubara insists that his government complied with all peace agreements brokered by the presidency, including reinstating resigned commissioners and implementing a Supreme Court judgment. Yet, he claims that certain lawmakers deliberately blocked efforts to restore stability, making governance nearly impossible.
Tinubu’s Drastic Move: Rivers Under Federal Control
The state of emergency declared by President Tinubu marks a historic intervention in Rivers politics, effectively stripping the elected governor of his powers and placing the state under federal control. The suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly raises legal and constitutional concerns, with analysts debating whether Tinubu’s action is a necessary intervention or an overreach of executive power.
Fubara, however, remains defiant, assuring Rivers people that his administration had kept the state safe, secure, and functioning despite the political turbulence.
“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance has continued. Salaries have been paid, great projects are being executed, and above all, Rivers State remains peaceful under our watch,” Fubara declared.
What’s Next? Legal, Political, and Public Reactions
The declaration of a state of emergency has set the stage for a political and legal showdown. Will Fubara challenge his suspension? How will Rivers’ political stakeholders, opposition parties, and civil society groups respond to Tinubu’s intervention?
For now, the fate of Rivers State lies in uncertain waters, as its people wait to see whether Tinubu’s move will bring order or further escalate tensions in Nigeria’s most politically volatile state.
