President Bola Tinubu has in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers amid worsening political Crisis.
He said the declaration is with immediate effect, announcing the suspension of Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu for six months.
“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,” he said.
The president said he has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.
He said, “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate”.
Tinubu also suspended all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State and nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.
“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state,” Tinubu said.
This drastic decision comes few hours after Tinubu met with his service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
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