President Bola Tinubu is reportedly planning to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the escalating political crisis in the state.
The decision is expected to be announced soon, two presidency sources disclosed on Tuesday morning.
Tensions have risen between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, as efforts to remove the governor from office intensify. On Monday, the Rivers State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing gross misconduct.
It is understood that President Tinubu has reportedly chosen retired military chief Ekwe Ibas to oversee the state during the emergency period.
Rivers, a key hub of Nigeria’s oil industry, has seen increasing unrest. An explosion rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, late Monday night. The resulting fire has raised concerns over possible sabotage, though investigations are ongoing. Protests have also erupted across the state in response to the impeachment move.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Tinubu met with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Attendees included Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and DSS Director General Oluwatosin Ajayi.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu were also present.
While details of the meeting were not disclosed, it is believed to be linked to the worsening crisis in Rivers State.
My president,declaring State of Emmergency in Rivers State,to me is not the best.I advice you call Mr Wike and Mr Fubara to a round table as their Father like what Donald Trump is doing right now by calling Mr Putin(Russian President) & Mr Zelensky (Ukrainian President) for Ceasefire & Peaceful settlement than applying force so as to prevent more EXCALATION of issues.GOD bless my president & GOD everyone who love peace.