‘Political tyranny’ – Bode George condemns Tinubu over Rivers state emergency
Former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State. He described it as a direct assault on democratic governance. Condemning the move, George declared, “This is absolute Armageddon—total disrespect for constituted authority. The Constitution has been viciously violated.” Expressing his outrage, he continued, “We can’t keep quiet. This is recklessness of the highest order. What did Fubara do? As Commander-in-Chief, Tinubu gave Wike soldiers and security agents to destabilize Rivers State. “The governor has no control over security agencies, yet he remained calm. Nobody has explained what he did to warrant this dictatorial emergency rule.” READ ALSO: Atiku condemns Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers, calls it ‘political manipulation’ Drawing parallels with past political turmoil, George remarked, “This is exactly how it started in 1962 and 1983. It’s a dress rehearsal for what Tinubu wants to do in 2027. The APC wants to take control of all states through unconstitutional means.” Challenging the legitimacy of Tinubu’s actions, he asked, “Did he get National Assembly approval before his broadcast? What happened in Rivers is the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob. “Why didn’t he declare a state of emergency in Lagos when lawmakers were fighting? Why invite Diete-Spiff and Niger Delta leaders last week if he already planned this?” George posed a pointed question: “Is Tinubu now transforming into a civilian dictator?”
Atiku condemns Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers, calls it ‘political manipulation’
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a clear act of political manipulation and bad faith. The New Daily Prime reported that Tinubu, in a nationwide address, announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers for six months. He then appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as the state’s administrator. Reacting via his X page, Atiku noted that anyone closely following the crisis can see Tinubu’s deep partisan involvement in Rivers’ political unrest. He accused the president of either deliberately allowing the situation to escalate or failing outright in his duty to prevent it, calling such negligence disgraceful. READ ALSO: Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers, suspends Fubara, Lawmakers for 6 Months “Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk. Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent. “It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability — undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations”, Atiku said. He stated that federal infrastructure in Rivers State has deteriorated, holding Tinubu fully accountable for the situation. According to him, using the people of Rivers State as collateral damage in the political power struggle between the governor and Tinubu’s allies in the federal government is a blatant assault on democracy—one that must be unequivocally condemned.
Putin agrees to 30-day halt to attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid
Vladimir Putin has agreed to a limited ceasefire against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, but the Russian leader declined to commit to a month-long full truce, after a high-stakes phone call with Donald Trump. A statement said Putin had issued an order to the Russian military to suspend strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said late on Tuesday that he would support a US proposal for a limited ceasefire aimed at halting attacks on each side’s energy infrastructure. If upheld by both sides, a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure would mark the first partial ceasefire in more than three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. But Putin again pushed back against Trump’s much sought-after plan for an immediate 30-day total ceasefire, which Ukraine agreed to last week, denting hopes of the US president’s plan bringing a quick end to hostilities. On his Truth Social platform, Trump described the conversation with Putin as “a very good and productive one”, writing: “We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine.” The US president added: “Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end. That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!” A White House statement said Washington and Moscow had also agreed to begin negotiations on the “implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace.” “These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East,” the White House said. During the call with Trump, which lasted two and a half hours, Putin reiterated his concerns over a range of issues that he said must be addressed before the fighting could end, according to the Kremlin statement. The “series of significant issues” included how such a ceasefire would be enforced and whether it would give Ukraine an opportunity to strengthen its forces and receive western military aid, it said. Russia has given no indication that it plans to halt its own regrouping during the ceasefire, raising fears in Kyiv that Putin may use the pause to prepare for further hostilities. The Kremlin’s account of the call said Putin set several maximalist conditions for a lasting ceasefire, including the suspension of western arms and intelligence support for Ukraine. Putin also demanded that Ukraine halt the mobilisation of new recruits. “It was emphasised that a key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working toward its resolution through political and diplomatic means must be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence to Kyiv,” the Kremlin said. People inspect energy infrastructure damaged by Russian shelling in March 2024, at an undisclosed location in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, Ukraine. Photograph: Igor Tkachenko/EPA There was also no indication that Putin had abandoned any of his most hardline objectives in the war in Ukraine. He told Trump that peace talks must “take into account the unconditional necessity to remove the initial reasons for the crisis and Russia’s legal security interests.” In recent statements, Putin outlined these demands, which include a commitment to keeping Kyiv out of Nato, the demilitarisation of Ukraine, and full control over the four regions Moscow annexed in 2022 – effectively undermining Ukraine’s independence. Russia’s maximalist demands will put Trump in a tough position, as he has pledged to secure both sides’ agreement on an immediate 30-day halt to the fighting before working out the details of a longer-term settlement. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said he hoped to speak to Trump about his talks with Putin. “I think it will be right that we will have a conversation with President Trump and we will know in detail what the Russians offered the Americans or what the Americans offered the Russians,” Zelenskyy told reporters during an online briefing. Some of Trump’s recent remarks have raised concerns that the US may prioritise securing a deal over protecting Kyiv’s interests. Before the call, he posted on Truth Social that “many elements of a Final Agreement have been agreed to, but much remains.”
PDP rejects Fubara’s suspension, says Tinubu lacks constitutional right
Less than two hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months alongside the 27 lawmakers. The president, during the live broadcast, said, “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.” Shortly after the declaration, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) issued a press statement, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, rejected the decision, describing it as unconstitutional and undemocratic. It also added that it was a violation of the 1999 Constitution and an attempt to override the will of Rivers State voters. The statement read, “This unconstitutional declaration by President Tinubu, suspending a democratically elected governor and appointing an unelected individual, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), to govern the state, is a direct attack on our democracy and an abrogation of the people’s democratic rights.” The party alleged that this action was part of a broader scheme to capture Rivers State for the All-Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of orchestrating a crisis to justify federal intervention. “This is the climax of a well-oiled plot to forcefully take over Rivers State. The APC has been bent on stoking crises to ensure that democracy is ultimately truncated in the state,” the statement added. The PDP also argued that the reasons given by President Tinubu for declaring emergency rule didn’t meet the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. PDP questioned the legality of Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers. The PDP warned that the decision was unconstitutional, pointing out that Section 305(2) of the 1999 Constitution requires the National Assembly’s approval for a state of emergency to take effect.Quoting the Constitution, the PDP stated, “For the avoidance of doubt, Section 305 (2) provides that ‘The President shall immediately after the publication, transmit copies of the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation containing the proclamation, including the details of the emergency, to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, each of whom shall forthwith convene or arrange for a meeting of the House… to consider the situation and decide whether or not to pass a resolution approving the proclamation.” According to the PDP, Tinubu’s unilateral action, without National Assembly approval was illegal. The party insisted that the President couldn’t remove an elected governor and install an appointed administrator. “Mr. President should recognize that his order for an unelected individual to take over the government of Rivers State is illegal and a clear recipe for crisis. It threatens peace and stability not only in Rivers State but across the entire nation,” the PDP warned. The PDP further cautioned Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) against assuming the position of Rivers State administrator, warning that any attempt to usurp democratic governance in the state would not be accepted. “Governor Fubara was democratically elected for a four-year tenure, which cannot be unconstitutionally abridged. Nigeria is not under military rule where state governance is determined by appointment rather than by the people,” the PDP stated. The party urged Vice Admiral Ibas to uphold the Constitution and avoid actions that could derail democratic governance in Rivers State. Read Also: Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers, suspends Fubara, Lawmakers for 6 Months Read Also: Rivers Crisis: Tinubu ousts Fubara, appoints ex-naval chief as Administrator
Over 150 Nigerian women, children deported from Libya
More than 150 Nigerian women and children were deported by Libyan authorities on Tuesday under a UN-affiliated “voluntary return” scheme for irregular migrants, an immigration official and UN sources said. Libya is a key departure point on North Africa’s Mediterranean coast for migrants, mainly from other parts of Africa, risking dangerous sea voyages in the hope of reaching Europe. Speaking to AFP, Mohamad Baredaa of Libya’s migration agency said the migrants deported on Tuesday were all Nigerian “women accompanied by children.” Sources at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN agency involved in the repatriation scheme, said the group included 160 women and 17 children. Dressed mostly in black tracksuits, they gathered at a waiting room in a Tripoli detention centre before being taken by bus to the Libyan capital’s Mitiga airport. Baredaa said several more repatriation flights were due to leave this week from Mitiga and an airport in Benghazi, in the country’s east, carrying groups of Bangladeshi, Gambian and Malian migrants. Violence and instability in Libya since the 2011 overthrow and killing of dictator, Moamer Kadhafi in a NATO-backed uprising helped turn the country into a fertile ground for human traffickers. According to the IOM, there are more than 700,000 migrants in Libya. Libyan authorities, however, say the actual figure is much higher. Imad Trabelsi, the interior minister of Libya’s UN-recognised government in Tripoli, said this week that there might be “more than four million migrants” in the country, but admitted exact figures were unavailable as many were undocumented. Seeking to assuage concerns among Libyans, Trabelsi said on Monday that the country “will not bear the burden of illegal immigration alone and will not become a settlement zone.”
Rivers on brink: Blocked allocation threatens economy, security, governance
The political battle between pro-Wike allies and Governor Siminalayi Fubara continues to escalate following the Supreme Court judgment, causing significant setbacks to the economy and development of Rivers State, with residents bearing the brunt of the turmoil. Since December 2023, Governor Fubara and 27 lawmakers, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA), Martins Amaewhule, have been locked in a prolonged political crisis. The conflict stems from allegations of defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), disputes over state fund allocations, and impeachment threats. This unrest has severely impacted the state’s economy and governance. On December 13, 2023, Premium Times reported the demolition of the RSHA complex, coinciding with Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget proposal to a four-member House of Assembly. The demolition followed an explosion at the assembly building, further deepening the crisis. At the root of the political discord is a longstanding rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Their strained relationship nearly resulted in Fubara’s impeachment, a move that was prevented when former Assembly Leader Ehie Edison, a pro-Fubara faction leader, refused to endorse it. Despite peace talks brokered by President Bola Tinubu, which included the reinstatement of pro-Wike lawmakers, tensions persist. Controversies over the 2025 Local Government (LG) elections and incidents of insecurity, including shootings and the burning of LG secretariats, continue to fuel instability. The Supreme Court verdict, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, addressed the alleged defection of the 27 lawmakers. The ruling stated that Governor Fubara withdrew the defection case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, meaning that no defection had legally taken place. As a result, the court ruled that the status quo in the House of Assembly must be maintained. “In light of the foregoing, I hold that Cross-appeal No SC/CV/1175A/2024 lacks merit and is hereby dismissed. The Rivers State House of Assembly should resume sitting with all elected members forthwith,” the judgment read. The Role of Political Godfatherism in Rivers State The struggle between political godfathers and their successors has been a recurring trend in Rivers State. Since Dr. Peter Odili’s tenure as governor in 1999, there has been a pattern of conflicts between predecessors and their political protégés. This trend continued with the rift between former Governor Chibuike Amaechi and his political mentor. Similarly, Wike, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, publicly denounced political godfatherism in Rivers State, insisting that it could not thrive as it allegedly does in Lagos State. “It may have happened in Lagos State, but it cannot happen in Rivers. We are quite different. As governor, I will come and go, and I can’t stop it. You can’t continue to say that you must be a godfather of a state. That is the problem, and it is not possible. Why must I produce? The people of Rivers State should decide who they want to lead them,” Wike stated in a video clip obtained by this reporter. As the battle for supremacy continued, Wike accused Fubara of attempting to destroy the political structure he built in the state. The issue of godfatherism has been central to the political struggle, ultimately leading to the fallout between both leaders. At a recent thanksgiving event in Asari-Toru LGA, Wike further expressed his grievances, stating that his successor had disregarded his advice, deepening the divide between them. Expert Analysis on the Economic and Political Implications In an interview with New Daily Prime, political analyst, Professor Busuyi Mekusi, highlighted the far-reaching effects of the crisis on governance, the economy, and residents’ welfare. “I was hoping for a resolution to the crisis after the Supreme Court judgment. Unfortunately, the opposing camp seems determined to escalate the conflict against Fubara. What is happening in Rivers State is an effort to strangulate the state economically, particularly in governance and service delivery.” Professor Mekusi further noted that while Rivers State has a substantial Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), it may not be enough to sustain critical development and services. “Infrastructure development will suffer. Rivers is a unique, oceanic state where building costs are naturally higher than in upland areas. The people will feel the impact,” he added. The analyst also pointed out that political maneuvering by Wike and the 27 lawmakers has played a significant role in the crisis. “Victory is sweet, but it must be well managed. I hope they will consider the interests of the people without escalating tensions unnecessarily so that governance can resume and complications affecting Rivers residents can be addressed.” Mekusi described the situation as an attempt to cripple the state’s economy, warning that its consequences will be severe. “Rivers State is being strangled economically, and this goes beyond Fubara. This crisis will have far-reaching effects on the people of Rivers State.” He recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had attempted to mediate before the Supreme Court ruling, but after the visit of PANDEF leaders, he simply advised them to implement the court’s decision. However, Professor Mekusi believes there should be room for a political resolution initiated by leaders within Rivers State or the South-South region. He also expressed concerns about the implications of a potential impeachment, questioning what would follow if Fubara is removed. “If Fubara is impeached, they will need to prove that he committed a punishable offense, especially in light of the Supreme Court ruling. The deputy governor is also entangled in the crisis, meaning the Speaker could assume the governor’s position. What about the repercussions? What about the ripple effects of such a move?” The professor emphasized that political conflicts often trigger unpredictable consequences, describing the recent impeachment moves as a risky strategy. “There is a possibility that Fubara might be impeached politically, but complications remain. The Chief Judge must set up a panel to investigate the allegations. This is provided for in the constitution. But will the House of Assembly follow the due process, or will external influences come into play?”
Why blocking Rivers’ allocation is dangerous – don
By Damilola Olufemi and Friday Omosola The political crisis in Rivers State has taken a new and significant turn with the federal government’s decision to withhold the state’s monthly allocation, citing a court order. This move has sparked widespread debate, raising concerns about economic instability, governance paralysis, and political maneuvering in one of Nigeria’s most strategic oil-producing states. The feud between Siminalayi Fubara, Governor of Rivers State, and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been at the center of this development. The power struggle between both leaders escalated following Wike’s alleged unilateral appointment of commissioners and special advisers without consulting the governor. This led to a political split, culminating in the defection of 27 lawmakers from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, which resulted in an eight-point peace agreement, tensions have remained high, leading to governance dysfunction, security concerns, and financial disruptions. The federal government’s decision to withhold Rivers State’s allocation—ordinarily disbursed through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC)—has only worsened the situation, threatening economic stability in a state that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through oil and gas revenues. Political and Economic Fallout of the Blocked Allocation The financial implications of this blockade are far-reaching. The withheld funds were essential for infrastructure projects, healthcare, education, and public services, all of which now face possible delays or outright cancellations. Analysts warn that this move could further deter investors and undermine economic growth, not just in Rivers State but also nationally, considering its role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. A weakened Rivers economy could trigger a chain reaction affecting employment, businesses, and public-sector salaries, which may escalate social unrest. If internal revenue generation (IGR) fails to bridge the gap, the state government could struggle to pay civil servants, contractors, and other essential service providers. This, in turn, could lead to mass protests, increased crime rates, and political instability. In an interview with The New Daily Prime, political analyst Professor Busuyi Mekusi emphasized the dire consequences of withholding funds from Rivers State. “Even though Rivers can attempt to sustain itself through IGR, there is a high possibility of sabotage at that level as well. A significant portion of the population will be financially disempowered, leading to widespread economic hardship,” Mekusi stated. The professor further explained that the social impact of the crisis would be devastating, with civil servants and their dependents suffering the most. “There will be economic disorientation. Those who should benefit from these funds, especially at the local government level, will be the hardest hit. Governance in the state will also be severely impaired,” he added. Potential Security Implications Beyond economic consequences, analysts warn that financial instability could exacerbate insecurity. A lack of funds for critical infrastructure and governance could create a breeding ground for militancy and criminal activities. Historically, the Niger Delta region has experienced unrest tied to economic deprivation and political conflicts, and this situation could trigger a resurgence of violent agitations. Professor Mekusi suggested that if the situation remains unresolved, some citizens may resort to extreme measures to survive, including criminal activities. “Some may turn to begging or petty theft, while others, unable to maintain rational judgment, could embrace full-blown criminality. This could escalate tensions significantly,” he warned. Drawing parallels to historical political crises, he referenced the 2003-2007 Lagos State standoff, where then-President Olusegun Obasanjo withheld federal allocations from Lagos State, when Bola Tinubu was governor. However, Mekusi pointed out that Rivers State may not be able to withstand such financial pressure as Lagos did. “Lagos managed to survive federal sanctions due to its strong economic base, but the same cannot be said for Rivers. The political environment, economic structures, and social dynamics are entirely different,” he noted. Political Tensions and Possible Repercussions With the political rift between Fubara and Wike deepening, stakeholders warn that the current crisis could lead to further instability, legal battles, and possible impeachment attempts. Professor Mekusi predicted that the situation might reshape Rivers State’s political future, emphasizing that if Fubara is removed, his successor would likely have strong support from opposing factions, weakening any resistance from his loyalists. “If Fubara and his deputy are removed today, a new governor will emerge with his own supporters. That alone could break the resolve of Fubara’s followers. But beyond that, there will be long-term animosities, political vengeance, and unresolved grievances that could spark future conflicts,” he explained. He further warned that Rivers State may never return to political normalcy, as similar crises in the past have left lasting scars on governance, party loyalty, and public trust in leadership. “We have seen such turmoil before. Amaechi had to fight hard to survive impeachment, allegedly orchestrated from Abuja at the time. But unlike Amaechi, Fubara lacks the political influence on challenge Wike’s grip on the state. This is a battle of political survival,” he added.
Another explosion hits Rivers oil facility again
Another explosion has reportedly occurred at an oil facility in Okwawriwa, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (LGA), following the Trans-Niger Terminal pipeline explosion that happened in Bodo, Gokana LGA of Rivers State. The exploded pipeline is said to be a federal pipeline that transports crude oil to Imo State and Brass in Bayelsa State. It was gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday. An eyewitness disclosed that the explosion affected strategic points belonging to Seplat, Agip, and Shell. Meanwhile, due to the location of the manifold, reports indicate that no casualties were recorded. However, the explosion caused significant damage within the affected area. read Also: Explosion hits major oil pipeline in Rivers Although the Rivers State Police Command is yet to comment on this recent explosion, anxiety has gripped residents as the cause of the multiple explosions remains uncertain. These developments have raised concerns and heightened suspicions of sabotage at both locations, highlighting the need to improve surveillance techniques and security measures. In light of this, Rivers residents are urged to remain vigilant, while oil companies are expected to maintain a high level of security alertness to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Judge rules DOGE’s USAID dismantling likely violates the Constitution
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) likely violated the Constitution and blocked billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from further cuts to the agency. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland ordered the Trump administration to restore email and computer access to all employees of USAID, including those who were placed on administrative leave. The lawsuit singled out Musk as a defendant covered by the preliminary injunction, arguing that he was wielding power the Constitution reserves only for those who win elections or are confirmed by the Senate. Thousands of people participate in a protest against Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Washington on March 14, 2025. Allison Bailey/NurPhoto/Shutterstock The order comes in a lawsuit filed by attorneys for USAID employees and contractors. Chuang said the evidence suggests that Musk made decisions to shut down USAID’s headquarters and website despite the administration’s claim that he was merely President Donald Trump’s advisor. Musk’s public statements and social media posts demonstrate that he has “firm control over DOGE,” the judge concluded. The judge acknowledged that it’s unlikely that USAID is no longer capable of performing some of its statutorily required functions.
Rivers Crisis: Tinubu ousts Fubara, appoints ex-naval chief as Administrator
Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor Fubara and Lawmakers, Appoints Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Administrator President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in a nationwide broadcast, where the President cited escalating political instability and security threats, including recent acts of vandalism on oil pipelines by militant groups. The decision comes after months of rising political tension between Governor Fubara and pro-Wike lawmakers, which had resulted in legislative disputes, security concerns, and governance paralysis. President Tinubu, in justifying the drastic measure, stated that his administration could no longer stand by while Rivers State spiraled into chaos, lawlessness, and economic sabotage. He emphasized that recent security intelligence indicated that militant activities had intensified, with critical oil infrastructure coming under attack while the state government failed to act decisively. In response to the crisis, President Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the administrator of Rivers State, granting him full control over the affairs of the state during the emergency period. His appointment is expected to bring stability, security, and disciplined governance to the troubled state, given his extensive background in military strategy, leadership, and national security. Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, where he served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021 before retiring. His vast experience in maritime security, counterinsurgency operations, and governance makes him a strong choice to oversee the administration of Rivers State during this critical period. After retiring from active military service, he transitioned into diplomacy and served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana, further broadening his expertise in strategic international relations. The President’s decision to impose emergency rule has sparked widespread reactions across political circles, civil society organizations, and the general public. Supporters of the move argue that it is a necessary intervention to restore order and protect critical infrastructure, especially given the economic significance of Rivers State as one of Nigeria’s largest oil-producing states. Critics, however, have raised constitutional concerns, questioning the legality of suspending an elected government without due process and warning of potential democratic backsliding. Before the declaration, political tension in Rivers State had reached a boiling point. The crisis originated from an intense power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The fallout between the two had led to an attempted impeachment of Fubara by pro-Wike lawmakers, an incident that nearly resulted in a full-blown constitutional crisis. Although a peace deal was brokered under President Tinubu’s mediation, tensions continued to fester, spilling over into violent clashes, arson attacks on local government offices, and administrative dysfunction. The Supreme Court ruling on the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly members further deepened the crisis. The court had ruled that Governor Fubara had voluntarily withdrawn his case challenging the defection of 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, effectively recognizing their continued membership in the legislature. This verdict strengthened the opposition against Fubara while leaving the state in a state of political deadlock. With the legislative and executive arms of government paralyzed, governance in the state suffered, leading to delays in budget implementation, stalled development projects, and a weakened security structure. Read Also: The economic implications of the crisis have been severe, with businesses experiencing disruptions, investors pulling out, and oil production facing serious threats due to pipeline vandalism. The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Rivers State, which heavily depends on commercial activities in Port Harcourt, has taken a significant hit. Financial experts warn that continued instability could worsen unemployment, slow down infrastructure development, and erode public confidence in the state’s governance structure. According to Vanguard, political analysts have weighed in on the situation, with Professor Busuyi Mekusi, a political expert, describing the declaration of a state of emergency as both “a strategic move and a dangerous precedent.” He noted that while the intervention could restore security, it also raises concerns about executive overreach, particularly in a democracy where elected officials are expected to complete their tenure. Reactions have also poured in from opposition parties, human rights activists, and civil society groups, some of whom have vowed to challenge the legality of Tinubu’s decision in court. Meanwhile, the President has assured that the emergency rule will be strictly temporary, with a review set for the end of the six-month period to determine if normal governance can be restored. Vice Admiral Ibas is expected to assume office immediately, working closely with security agencies to restore peace, protect infrastructure, and ensure continuity of essential government functions. With Rivers State now under direct federal control, all eyes will be on how the administration navigates the political crisis and what the long-term implications will be for Nigerian democracy and federal-state relations. As the situation continues to unfold, there remains uncertainty over how Governor Fubara and his supporters will respond, whether legal battles will arise, and if the people of Rivers State will embrace the new leadership or resist it. One thing remains clear—Nigeria is entering uncharted political territory, and the developments in Rivers State could have far-reaching consequences for governance across the country.
