The Federal
Government has justified President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of
emergency in Rivers State, citing the need to prevent a complete breakdown of
governance and a threat to national stability. Attorney-General of the
Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, explained that the
President had exhausted all diplomatic means before taking the drastic step.
Fagbemi
noted that the crisis in Rivers State had been ongoing for months, with several
attempts at mediation failing. He added that the political turmoil in Rivers
was putting Nigeria's economic lifeline at risk. The crisis escalated following
a Supreme Court ruling on February 20, 2025, which Fagbemi said played a key
role in the President's decision. The Supreme Court had ruled that Governor
Fubara had repeatedly violated constitutional provisions and acted in a manner
akin to a despot, concluding that governance had collapsed in Rivers.
The
declaration has sparked widespread debate, with critics questioning its
necessity and accusing the federal government of favouring Nyesom Wike,
Fubara's political rival and now minister of the Federal Capital Territory,
Abuja. However, Fagbemi dismissed such claims, urging those opposed to the
decision to direct their concerns to the National Assembly, which must approve
the emergency rule within 48 hours. The National Assembly's approval is
crucial, as a two-thirds majority is required to validate the President's
action.
In the
meantime, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff,
has been appointed as the state's sole administrator, with the emergency rule
suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected
members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six
months. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the
National Assembly will respond to the President's declaration.
One thing is
certain, however: the fate of Rivers State and its people hangs in the balance,
and it is imperative that all stakeholders prioritize their well-being and work
towards a peaceful resolution.
