Nigeria’s President Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor and Lawmakers

 Abuja – Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a key oil-producing region, and suspended the state governor, his deputy, and all lawmakers.

In a televised address, Tinubu cited recent security reports detailing acts of pipeline vandalism by militants, which he said had gone unchecked by the state government.

"With these and other disturbing developments, no responsible president can stand by and allow the situation to deteriorate further without taking constitutionally prescribed remedial steps," Tinubu stated.

The announcement follows an explosion and subsequent fire on the Trans Niger Pipeline, a critical infrastructure transporting crude oil to the Bonny export terminal. While authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, the Niger Delta region has long been plagued by militant activities, which have disrupted oil production and exports.

Rivers State has also been engulfed in political turmoil, with internal divisions within the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and threats of impeachment against the governor and his deputy.

Under the emergency measures, the federal government assumes regulatory control over the state, with enhanced authority to deploy security forces to restore order if necessary. Tinubu appointed a retired vice admiral as caretaker to oversee the state’s administration for an initial period of six months.

The president confirmed that he has submitted his proclamation to the National Assembly, which holds the authority to either ratify or reject the decision.

"For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate," Tinubu emphasized.

The declaration marks a significant federal intervention in one of Nigeria’s most economically vital regions, underscoring the government's commitment to addressing security and governance challenges in the Niger Delta.