State of Emergency Declared in Rivers State by President Tinubu Over Pipeline Vandalism

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the local governor, deputy, and lawmakers due to increased pipeline vandalism and governance issues. This enables the federal government to take control and initiate necessary regulations to restore order, with a retired vice admiral appointed as caretaker for six months.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has officially declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, deputy governor, and all lawmakers due to increasing security threats and governance failures. During a recent television address, he remarked on alarming reports of pipeline vandalism by militants that the state government has not adequately addressed. He emphasized the necessity for constitutional measures to tackle the crisis, declaring, “No responsible president will stand by and allow such a grave situation to continue without taking action.”

The declaration follows a police investigation into an explosion that impacted the Trans Niger Pipeline, a critical conduit for transporting crude oil to the Bonny export terminal. Rivers State, situated in the Niger Delta, plays a significant role in Nigeria’s oil production and has previously suffered disruptions due to militant attacks on pipelines. Furthermore, the state faces internal political turmoil, with factions within the People’s Democratic Party clashing, leading to threats of impeachment against the governor and deputy.

Under this state of emergency, the federal government is empowered to administer Rivers State, enact necessary regulations, and deploy security forces to restore order if necessary. To facilitate governance, President Tinubu has appointed a retired vice admiral as caretaker for an initial six-month term. He also informed that his declaration had been submitted to the National Assembly for approval, while clarifying that the state’s judicial system would remain unaffected and continue to operate per constitutional mandates.

This extraordinary action underscores the critical situation in Rivers State and reflects the federal government’s resolve to address escalating security and political challenges.

In summary, President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State illustrates the urgent measures being taken to address severe security concerns and political instability. By suspending local leadership and appointing a caretaker, the federal government aims to restore order amidst rising tensions from militant activities and internal conflicts within the state. This move emphasizes the necessity for decisive action to ensure the governance and security of vital oil-producing regions in Nigeria.

Original Source: www.myjoyonline.com