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Tag: State of Emergency in Rivers

  • Rivers, state of emergency and saving bad case with strong hands

    Rivers, state of emergency and saving bad case with strong hands

    In a bold and necessary move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This decision, made in response to escalating political turmoil and alarming security threats, underscores his commitment to preserving stability and protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people.

    The political crisis in Rivers had reached a boiling point, with the state legislature paralyzed, governance stalled, and tensions boiling over into violence. The President’s hand was forced by a series of explosions targeting critical oil and gas infrastructure—a stark indication that the crisis was spiralling out of control. The destruction of the Trans Niger Pipeline, an economic lifeline, was not just a local issue but a national emergency.

    Far from being a hasty decision, the state of emergency followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders. Before making the proclamation, President Tinubu convened a high-level security meeting with the National Security Adviser, the service chiefs, intelligence heads, and the Inspector-General of Police. The leadership of the National Assembly was also present, demonstrating the gravity of the situation.

    After hours of deliberation, and with fresh intelligence reports at hand, the President took the only course of action that could prevent further escalation. His decision was swift, precise, and, most importantly, constitutional.

    In his national address, Tinubu laid out the justifications for the proclamation. He pointed to the destruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in December 2023, which has yet to be rebuilt. He referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared the absence of a functional legislature as unconstitutional, warning that no state could function under such conditions.

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    “The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, depriving its people of the dividends of democracy,” Tinubu stated.

    The suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months is not an act of punishment but a necessary reset. In a democracy, elected officials must act in the interest of their constituents, not their political survival. The Rivers crisis had reached a point where governance was impossible. The executive and legislative arms were locked in a bitter standoff, and militant groups were exploiting the chaos to further destabilize the state.

    President Tinubu, in his characteristic wisdom, understood that an impartial administrator was needed—one with the experience and understanding of the region to navigate its complex political and security challenges. His choice of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State is both strategic and practical.

    A former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibas is a man of discipline and deep knowledge of the Niger Delta’s terrain. His military background equips him to handle the security threats posed by militant groups, while his administrative experience positions him to stabilize governance. Importantly, he is not from Rivers State, ensuring neutrality in a highly polarized environment.

    The President has been clear: this is not military rule. The judiciary remains intact, and the administrator will not legislate. Instead, any necessary regulations will be subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and promulgated by the President. This careful balance ensures that while order is restored, democratic principles are upheld.

    The people of Rivers State have suffered enough. Political actors on both sides have failed them, prioritizing personal and factional interests over governance. With this intervention, President Tinubu has created a breathing space—a pause in hostilities that allows all parties to reassess their actions and return to the path of responsible leadership.

    His message is clear: Rivers State must not be allowed to descend into anarchy. The oil-rich region is too critical to Nigeria’s economy and security. Stability must be restored, and democracy must function.

    For those who question the necessity of this move, the recent explosions serve as a stark reminder of what was at stake. If decisive action had not been taken, the crisis could have escalated into a full-blown security catastrophe, with consequences not just for Rivers but for the entire country.

    As the initial six-month period unfolds, all eyes will be on Rivers State. The administrator’s ability to restore normalcy will be key. More importantly, political actors in the state must see this as a moment of reckoning. They must recognize that their mandate is not a personal prize but a responsibility to the people.

    The National Assembly will have its role to play by reviewing the emergency proclamation, but the ultimate resolution lies with the political leadership of Rivers. They must abandon the path of strife and work towards genuine reconciliation.

    President Tinubu has shown leadership at a critical moment. His decision was not just about resolving a political dispute but about protecting the fabric of Nigeria’s democracy. In times of crisis, true leadership is measured by the courage to act in the interest of the people. On this, the President has not faltered.

    For Rivers State, this is not an end but a new beginning—a chance to move from conflict to cooperation, from chaos to governance. With this intervention, there is hope that sanity will return, and the state will once again fulfill its potential as a beacon of economic and social progress.

    Steady Hand in Challenging Times

    President Tinubu once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to governance, balancing a series of crucial engagements while addressing one of the most pressing political crises in recent history. Despite the weight of events in Rivers State, the President remained focused on his broader agenda—ensuring the nation’s progress in multiple spheres, from education and security to humanitarian efforts and national unity.

    The week began on a celebratory note as President Tinubu extended his congratulations to Dr. Fene Osakwe, the first African to win the prestigious Cyber Personality of the Year award in the United Kingdom. Osakwe’s historic achievement in cybersecurity not only highlighted Nigeria’s growing global influence in the digital space, but also underscored the administration’s commitment to excellence in innovation and technology. The President’s recognition of such feats sends a strong message: Nigerian talent is world-class and deserving of recognition.

    Yet, even in moments of celebration, the President did not lose sight of the human aspects of leadership. On the same day, he reached out to Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, expressing his condolences on the passing of his wife, Gbemisola Olutayo Olowolafe. Tinubu’s personal approach to governance—acknowledging not just policy and politics, but also the lives and losses of those who contribute to the nation’s progress—was once again evident.

    By Monday, the President was fully engaged in the critical task of nation-building. In a move that reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening higher education, he appointed the fiery priest, Bishop Matthew Kukah, as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia. Bishop Kukah’s deep intellectual background and moral authority make him an inspired choice for the role, reflecting Tinubu’s strategy of bringing respected and visionary leaders into public institutions.

    Later that day, governance met faith as the President hosted an Iftar dinner for members of the National Assembly, an event that transcended religious observance to become a platform for national unity. Representing the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima called on lawmakers to prioritize cohesion over division, a timely message as the nation navigates complex economic and political realities. A striking highlight of the evening was the House of Representatives’ donation of ₦705 million to support vulnerable Nigerians during Ramadan—a testament to the administration’s ongoing commitment to social welfare.

    By midweek, Tinubu made one of the most consequential decisions of his presidency: the swearing-in of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. With months of political unrest escalating into a full-blown crisis, the President’s decisive action was aimed at restoring stability and ensuring governance does not grind to a halt. Flanked by his closest advisers, Tinubu executed the swearing-in with the gravity the moment demanded, making it clear that the security and welfare of Nigerians remain his top priority.

    But even amid such high-stakes governance, Tinubu’s administration continued pushing forward reforms. On Wednesday, he approved the appointment of board members for the newly established Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), a critical step toward ensuring efficiency and transparency in the electricity sector. The reform signals Tinubu’s commitment to tackling Nigeria’s long-standing power supply issues with decisive policy action.

    Thursday saw the President commend the National Assembly for ratifying the state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing that national security must always supersede partisan considerations. His gratitude to lawmakers reflected an understanding that leadership, especially in times of crisis, requires cooperation across all arms of government.

    On the same day, tragedy struck in Karu, Abuja, with a devastating tanker explosion claiming many lives; the police put it at ten persons as at Friday. Tinubu responded swiftly, ordering a thorough investigation into the incident and directing immediate medical assistance for the injured. His ability to pivot from handling a political emergency to addressing an urgent humanitarian crisis speaks to the demands of leadership and his readiness to meet them.

    The President also made time to engage with traditional leadership, hosting the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, and representatives of the Asaba Kingdom. Such meetings are more than ceremonial—they reinforce the administration’s respect for traditional institutions as vital stakeholders in national unity and development.

    As the week drew to a close, Tinubu turned to celebrating the contributions of distinguished Nigerians, honoring two exemplary figures—pharmacist and public health icon, Ifejola Arowolo at 80, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr. Oluwakemi Pinheiro, at 60. These tributes, though seemingly symbolic, serve as reminders that nation-building is not only about policies but also about recognizing those who have shaped the country through their life’s work.

    Through the highs and the challenges of the week, one thing remained constant: Tinubu’s steady leadership. While the Rivers State emergency undoubtedly dominated national discourse, the President’s schedule reflected a leader who understands that governance is multifaceted. From education to humanitarian relief, security to economic reforms, and even moments of personal outreach, Tinubu’s week was a testament to his resolve to keep Nigeria moving forward, no matter the circumstances.

    Now that we are in a new week, which takes us to the end of the month of Ramadan, he is expected to spend time with family and his kin in Lagos, being a devout Moslem himself. We only need to wait to see as the week unfolds.

  • Beyond the debacle

    Beyond the debacle

    After theatre comes thunder. Now that the political somnambulists in Rivers State have wandered their way into a sucker punch, all is quiet on Lord Harcourt’s Beach. But the politically naïve and foolishly optimistic always find some straw to cling to in the hope of finding some restitution in the face of unremitting tragedy. It all adds to the suspense. And since Nigeria is a country of one political drama per diem, it helps to sustain the adrenalin surge in the audience as drama becomes the national diet which keeps the nation permanently on edge.

    Before the national assembly endorsed the suspension of constitutional order on Thursday, the rumour was rife that somebody way up in the Aso Rock hierarchy was about to get his political comeuppance in the hands of irate lawmakers who were fed up with all the political shenanigans going on. It turned out a damp squib. But rather than wild jubilations, the circumstances call for sober national introspection.  We need to probe why after twenty six years of post-military rule, genuine democratic rule continues to elude the nation and why the democratic process is often imperiled by complex, countervailing and overdetermined forces which often compel us to live dangerously. To do this, we need to return to the Rivers State imbroglio and its squabbling political elite.

       On further reflection, it might have been a political death wish, but how any of the major protagonists could not see this coming is an affront to rectitude and political common sense. We warned. We cautioned. We admonished them. This was a duel programmed for mutual self-demolition. But they were too far gone. It seems to be in the DNA of the post-military breed to gamble with everything until there is nothing left to game and gamble except gambling with gambling itself. Then what is left is for the gamblers to be taken home, and that is if there are takers. Politics in a distressed polity mirrors the preoccupation with serial coup-plotting in a distressed military formation. In the game of thrones, even the victor presumptive is hostage to political misfortune.

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    Two weeks ago, this column issued the final travel advisory on Rivers State. It bears repeating today:

    “Once again, we warn that an extraordinary state of emergency looms in Rivers State. It is going to be extraordinary because it will involve a complete militarization of the state with the possibility of fatally undermining the prospects of the principal product the nation depends upon at this moment. This column is not interested in the outcome of the ego tussle in Rivers State between lapsed godson and former godfather but the extent to which the battle will impact on the democratic prospects of the nation and its continued viability. It is unfortunate that the political common sense that Nyesom Wike demonstrated by making sure an Ijaw person succeeded him and forcing this through has now completely disappeared in a miasma of mutual hatred and contempt”. Travelling Theatre and Travelling  Thunder, The Nation on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

      Last Tuesday, thunder struck at the ancient theatre of Riverine political deities, sweeping away all extant democratic organs with full militarization of the enabling structures of governance. Once again, the political cohabitation between godfather and former godson has ended in tears and tragedy. In any fledgling democratic system, a state of emergency in any part of the federation represents a profound political setback. It truncates the learning process and further de-acculturates the political class from the democratic norms which they have never fully imbibed as it cuts them off from the principal source of their livelihood and state patronage. In an unruly environment in which politics is weaponized to confront real and imaginary feelings of age-long victimhood, many of the demobilized and disbanded party henchmen and honchos will resume petty crimes or heavy infractions where the state is most vulnerable. This is likely to compound the security situation in the coming months, a situation which will in turn invite scary state reprisals.

       It is unfortunate that it has come to this once again Rivers State and the fabled state’s political juggernauts have returned to their homestead from the forest bearing ant-infested firewood. Yoruba drummers always warn their masquerades against climbing aladin-clogged trees. (Aladin is a tough, no-nonsense ant mutant with a ferocious bite which can send the victim into a delirium of pains leading to swift disembarkation or precipitous fall. In olden days, this oblique warning was usually sounded by the drummers whenever Alapansanpa, the Ibadan master masquerade justly celebrated for its power and the potency of its whiplash, approached the area known as Isale-Ijebu which was brimming with no-nonsense and non-obliging sub-ethnic irredentists who always had their firearms well-oiled for confrontation. They could not be blackmailed or bamboozled by the cultural dictates of the host community.

      Ogundeji sogigun

      Magun’gi aladin

      Sogigun

    Caution and discretion always prevailed in this explosive encounter between man and masquerade among the Ibadan natives. Their principal historic luck is ethnic homogeneity. Unfortunately and as a result of ethnic mix and age-long anxieties about ethnic domination, violence and armed confrontations have been the recurrent decimals of politics in River States since the coming of the politics and strategy of alignment with dominant nationalities. Subtle persuading and sophisticated bargaining have no place in the political lexicon. The political entrepreneurs holding the people to ransom will not let go. Thrice in twenty six years, the state has witnessed a breakdown of law and order as a result of the revolt of political subalterns against their masters with dire consequences: Amaechi versus Odili; Amaechi versus Wike and Wike versus Fubara.  Rotimi Amaechi was said to have been a mere office boy in Peter Odili’s clinic, but he went on to send his former boss into political coma from which he is lately rousing.  Nyesom Wike, the former local government chairman, became the agent of the political defenestration of his boss, benefactor and enabler. And now, Wike himself is fighting for his political life in the hands of his anointed son, political collaborator and acknowledged guru of financial hocus-pocus.

        In the absence of consensus, conciliation and compromise among the political elite of the state,      

    what  plays out in Rivers State and to a less extent in many other parts of the nation is the unmediated subalternization of politics, a play of giants in which strongmen of means, material and munitions prevail and the whole nation feels like a vast military garrison superintended by a hostile colonial force. That is until stronger men emerge. A direct corollary of this is the robotization of political hierarchies in which human actors are compelled to act like unfeeling and unthinking cyborgs in the face of overwhelming economic tariffs until the subaltern finds his voice. The dire effects of this twin-incubus on the post-military polity are better imagined in terms of party cohesion, internal discipline, energetic but legitimate dissent, lawful associations and the credibility and legitimacy of the parties themselves as authentic agents of national development and genuine democracy. It is curious and very interesting that some of the bitterest and most unsparing denunciations of the State of Emergency in Rivers State are coming from disaffected party insiders, former ministers, special advisers etc who are still nominal party members until they formally renounce their party membership. It says a lot about the state of the parties and the kind of democracy we shall leave for posterity at the end of it all.

      Why this is so is the debate we should be having while we still have the time rather than  rancorous sparring sessions about the legality or otherwise of the presidential abridgement of the increasingly rowdy proceedings in Rivers State which has for now put a lid on the executive, legislative and judicial rascality in the roiling rivulets. It is a reflection of the grave polarizations in the polity that matters of great security implications are treated with levity and viewed from the partisan lens and the cold suspicion that there must be something in it for the powers that be no matter where it is all leading the nation. Even where the body-politic is hemorrhaging on all fronts, it is seen as a smart career move from the man they have learnt to fear and hate in equal measure. This is straight from the Machiavellian play-station: it is better and more secure to be feared than to be beloved.

     But since no single individual however politically talented and exceptional can have complete mastery over the competing and contradictory power dynamics of his society, it follows that bad can flow from good and good can flow from bad. There is also the law of unintended consequences to contend with. Whatever the impure motives ascribed by his implacable political adversaries to the declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State, what is obvious is that the president has thrown the warring factions, particularly its two leading political gladiators, a lifeline.

       By sparing Siminalaya Fubara the impeachment axe that could have decapitated his political career despite his obtuse calling for insurrection, the obdurate political neophyte has been given an opportunity to reassemble his scrambled wits and put his political house in order. Nyesom Wike has also been given the chance to reorder his political priorities and master his choleric tantrums. If after six months in political purgatory, nothing has changed, then something will give. The respite should also afford President Tinubu an opportunity to begin to give serious considerations to the kind of political legacy he hopes to bequeath this fractious and dangerously polarized nation. Let no one deceive him that all is well.

  • UPDATED: Tinubu declares State of Emergency in Rivers

    UPDATED: Tinubu declares State of Emergency in Rivers

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, citing the escalating political crisis and failure of leadership to take necessary constitutional steps to address the situation.

    Announcing the decision in a national broadcast, Tinubu stated that the measure was in accordance with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to intervene in cases where governance is threatened.

    “Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, and with the Governor and Deputy Governor failing to request a proclamation as required by the Constitution, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke Section 305,” the President said.

    As part of the emergency declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected Rivers Assembly members have been suspended from office for an initial period of six months.

    The President emphasised that this action was taken in the interest of the people of Rivers State to ensure stability and restoring effective governance.

    The faceoff between Governor Fubara and the 27 members of the Rivers Assembly who are loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, worsened after the Supreme Court delivered decisions seeming to restore the influence of the State House of Assembly.

    Of recent the crisis seemed to have assumed ethnic and violent outlooks with some unidentified persons, who claimed to be defending the Governor threatening to inflict havoc’s on the nation’s oil facilities.

    However, on Monday night an explosion was reported on the critical Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) around Bodo, Gokana council area while a second incident was recorded in less than 24 hours at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni council area.

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    Speaking on the developments in the State, President Tinubu said “I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, depriving its people of the dividends of democracy.”

    Citing constitutional breaches and security concerns, Tinubu pointed to the destruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly in December 2023 and the governor’s failure to rebuild it. 

    He also referenced a Supreme Court ruling that condemned the absence of a functioning legislature in the state, warning that “a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state.”

    The President also highlighted fresh security threats, including the aforementioned pipeline vandalism by militants.

    “Between yesterday and today, there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have given stern orders to security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and oil infrastructure in Rivers State,” Tinubu said. 

    In place of the suspended officials, President Tinubu has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State to oversee governance during the emergency period.

    “I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” he announced.

    The President clarified that while the legislative and executive arms of government have been suspended, the judiciary in Rivers State will continue to function normally. 

    “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,” he assured.

    The Administrator will not be permitted to make new laws but will be authorized to introduce necessary regulations with approval from the Federal Executive Council.

    President Tinubu stressed that his decision was guided by constitutional provisions and the need to restore order. 

    He expressed disappointment that despite multiple interventions from his office, national leaders, and other well-meaning Nigerians, the crisis had persisted.

    “No good and responsible President will stand by and allow this grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps,” he said.

    He said the emergency declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly in line with constitutional requirements.

    The President expressed hope that this intervention would serve as a wake-up call for all political players in Rivers State and across Nigeria, saying “it is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State”. 

  • BREAKING: Tinubu declares State of Emergency in Rivers

    BREAKING: Tinubu declares State of Emergency in Rivers

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State for an initial period of six months.

    He made the declaration in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening.

    He said the declaration became imperative to protect lives and property in the oil-rich State following recent political crisis.

    The President said: “The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

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    “With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

    “In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.

    “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.

    “This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. 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.”