Uneasy calm descends on Rivers after Tinubu wades in

With soldiers taking over the Rivers Government House following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and suspension of Governor Siminnalayi Fubara, a semblance of calm has descended on the oil-rich state. 

Tinubu’s latest intervention came after two explosions that rocked oil facilities in the state amid the lingering political crisis that has seen lawmakers threaten to impeach the governor. 

During a national broadcast, he announced the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State for an initial period of six months, citing the need to restore law and order.

The president announced the nomination of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as administrator to steer the affairs of the state.

The development sent shockwaves across the state. In many parts of the Port Harcourt metropolis, residents and motorists were seen rushing home to their families immediately after the news of the state of emergency filtered in.

People were also seen on the streets discussing the latest issue as some residents expressed dismay over the announcement and blamed the political actors for what happened.

In his broadcast, Tinubu said he was disturbed by the unfolding events in the state, which appeared to have defied political solutions, stalled development and progress and denied the people of the state the dividends of democracy.

“It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole,’’ he said. 

Responding to his suspension, Fubara, in a statement, called for calm, saying, “We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.”