ABUJA – The Federal Government has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that it was a necessary step to prevent a total breakdown of governance.
Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja on Wednesday, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, clarified that former Rivers State governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had no role in the crisis that led to the declaration.
Why Tinubu Declared Emergency Rule
According to Fagbemi, the prolonged political power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, had paralyzed governance in Rivers, forcing Tinubu to act.
“Should the President have waited until Rivers completely collapsed? No. He stepped in at the right time to prevent further destruction,” Fagbemi stated.
He emphasized that Tinubu had previously attempted to mediate between the warring factions but, after months of instability, had no choice but to impose emergency rule.
What This Means for Rivers State
As part of the emergency measures:
Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers have been suspended for an initial six months
Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) has been appointed as the sole administrator to oversee the state
Rivers’ federal allocation will be directed to Ibas to ensure governance continues
Despite the emergency rule, the judiciary remains functional, meaning courts will continue to operate normally.
Mixed Reactions to Tinubu’s Decision
The emergency declaration has sparked controversy, with some seeing it as a bold move to restore order, while others view it as an overreach of executive power.
Regardless of the debate, Rivers State is now under federal control—a move that could shape the political landscape for years to come.
