President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending its governor and lawmakers due to a rise in pipeline vandalism and governance issues. This move allows federal control to restore security and political stability in the region, with a retired officer appointed to oversee state affairs temporarily.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has announced a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, deputy governor, and all legislators due to escalating security issues and governance failures. During a televised address, he expressed serious concerns over recent incidents of pipeline vandalism attributed to militants, which had not been adequately addressed by state authorities.
Tinubu stated, “No responsible president will stand by and allow such a grave situation to continue without taking action,” reiterating the necessity of constitutional measures to manage the crisis. This declaration responds to a recent explosion on Nigeria’s Trans Niger Pipeline, a crucial conduit for transporting crude oil to the Bonny export terminal.
Rivers State, part of the Niger Delta, is vital to Nigeria’s oil output and has been targeted by militants in the past, disrupting production and exports. The region is also facing a political crisis with internal disputes within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and threats of impeachment against the state’s leadership.
Under the emergency regime, the federal government can assume control over state governance, enact necessary regulations, and deploy security forces as needed. A retired vice admiral has been appointed by President Tinubu to oversee the state’s operations for an initial six-month period.
The president confirmed that a copy of the emergency declaration has been forwarded to the National Assembly for endorsement, ensuring it does not impede the judicial system’s functioning as defined by the constitution. This decisive action signals the federal government’s commitment to restoring order amidst pressing security and political issues facing Rivers State.
In summary, President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing urgent security and governance challenges. By suspending key state officials and appointing a new caretaker, the federal government aims to restore stability amidst rising pipeline vandalism and political discord. This unprecedented measure underscores the seriousness of the situation in the region and the government’s resolve to maintain order.
Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com
