President Bola Tinubu suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and declared an emergency following a pipeline explosion. The governor’s inaction against rising vandalism has drawn criticism. Political instability continues in the state, with Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas appointed as caretaker governor.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara following an explosion on part of the Trans-Niger Pipeline. Although police haven’t confirmed the cause, possibilities include vandalism or sabotage by militant groups. Reports suggest a troubling pattern of pipeline vandalization occurred without any action from the governor to mitigate the issue, contributing to frequent oil spills in the region.

President Tinubu expressed his disappointment in Governor Fubara’s inaction towards ongoing pipeline vandalism, stating, “No good and responsible president will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue…” He has issued a suspension for the governor and other elected officials, including state lawmakers, for a duration of six months due to the critical situation.

The continuing political struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has rendered the state ungovernable, sparking failed impeachment attempts and efforts by Fubara to dissolve the legislature. Addressing these issues, Tinubu noted that the absence of effective governance is compromising the state’s stability: “With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance… can thrive.”

Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a former chief of the Nigerian navy, is set to oversee Rivers State as a caretaker governor for an initial six-month period to restore order and governance during this emergency.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse

The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State highlight the challenges Nigeria faces regarding oil theft and political instability. President Tinubu’s decisive measures aim to restore governance in the troubled region and address the growing issue of pipeline vandalism, which has been a persistent problem.

Original Source: www.dw.com