Abuja: Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a key oil-producing region, and suspended the governor, deputy governor, and all state lawmakers.
In a televised address on Tuesday, Tinubu cited recent security reports detailing acts of pipeline vandalism by militants, which he said the governor had failed to address.
"Given the gravity of the situation, no responsible president can remain passive while such disturbances persist," Tinubu stated.
The announcement follows a recent explosion and fire along the Trans Niger Pipeline, a crucial crude oil transport route to the Bonny export terminal. Authorities are currently investigating the incident.
Rivers State, located in the oil-rich Niger Delta, has a history of pipeline attacks by militants, which have disrupted Nigeria's oil production and exports. The state has also been experiencing a deepening political crisis, with factions of the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) clashing and lawmakers threatening to impeach the governor and his deputy.
The emergency declaration grants the federal government the authority to manage the state's affairs and allows for the increased deployment of security forces if necessary. Tinubu has appointed a retired vice admiral to oversee the state's administration for an initial period of six months.
The president has submitted his proclamation to the National Assembly for approval. However, he clarified that the judiciary in Rivers State would continue to function as usual.
