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RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR FUBARA CALLS FOR CALM AMID STATE OF EMERGENCY

Rivers State Governor Siminilayi Fubara has urged residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state. In a statement released on Tuesday, Fubara reiterated his commitment to constitutional governance and the well-being of Rivers residents, despite the ongoing political crisis. “Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else,” Fubara said. He emphasized that his administration has implemented peace agreements brokered by the presidency, including reinstating resigned commissioners and complying with the Supreme Court’s judgment to restore normalcy. However, Fubara accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of frustrating his efforts to achieve lasting peace. Despite the political tensions, he noted that his government has continued to prioritize security, infrastructure development, and prompt salary payments for civil servants. “The state remains safe, secure, and peaceful under my watch. Rivers people have always been resilient, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process,” Fubara added. President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency comes after prolonged political turmoil in Rivers, which saw impeachment attempts against Fubara. Following the declaration, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly.

PANDEF CONDEMNS STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed serious alarm over the state of emergency declared in Rivers State. In a statement, the group described the crisis leading to the declaration as “ordinarily avoidable.” National Spokesman, Chief Dr. Obiuwevbi Christopher Ominimini, stated that PANDEF is currently studying the situation and will soon release its official position. Dr. Ominimini emphasized the need for careful consideration before reacting to the development. “We are therefore studying the situation and we shall soon come up with PANDEF’s position,” Dr. Ominimini said. PANDEF’s reaction is expected to shed more light on the group’s stance on the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. Dr. Ominimini’s statement has set the tone for PANDEF’s forthcoming position on the matter.

PRESIDENT TINUBU DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the persistent political crisis that has plagued the state. In a national broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, President Tinubu expressed his deep concern over the situation, stating, “I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State.” The president highlighted the demolition of the House of Assembly by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in December 2023, which has not been rebuilt, and the inability of the governor and the House to work together. He also mentioned the threats made by militants against perceived enemies of the governor and the vandalization of pipelines without any action from the governor. President Tinubu noted that despite his personal interventions and efforts by other well-meaning Nigerians, the crisis has persisted. He stated, “With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution.” The president invoked Section 305 of the Constitution to declare the state of emergency, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been nominated as Administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs. President Tinubu emphasized that the declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which will continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate. He expressed his hope that this intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State, saying, “Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole”.