Nigeria’s President declared an emergency in Rivers State, suspending its governor and lawmakers amid pipeline vandalism and political strife. This unprecedented action comes as legal debates arise concerning the validity of such suspensions. Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas is appointed as the military administrator, while judicial functions are maintained.
The President of Nigeria has formally declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of its governor, Siminalayi Fubara, along with state lawmakers. This decision arises from ongoing political turmoil and rampant vandalism to oil pipelines, a critical issue given Nigeria’s status as Africa’s leading oil producer. The friction between the governor and the state lawmakers has escalated, notably with impeachment proceedings initiated against him this week due to alleged discrepancies related to the state budget and legislative assembly composition.
President Bola Tinubu announced the suspensions during a broadcast, criticizing Governor Fubara’s inaction regarding recent pipeline vandalism, including a significant incident affecting the Trans Niger Pipeline. The President articulated that no responsible leader would allow the state’s precarious situation to worsen without intervention, thus invoking constitutional measures.
Following the emergency declaration, retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas has been appointed as the military administrator of Rivers State, ensuring judicial proceedings would remain operational during this period. Military vehicles were swiftly dispatched to secure the governmental premises. This emergency rule represents a significant governing action, with the last similar declaration occurring over a decade ago, reflecting the challenges Nigeria faces in maintaining democratic stability.
The legality of the President’s actions has faced scrutiny, with the Nigerian Bar Association condemning the suspensions as unlawful. They emphasized that an emergency declaration should not automatically dismiss or suspend elected officials, underscoring the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions. Historically, previous declarations of a state of emergency did not result in the removal of governors, marking this event as unprecedented since the 2013 declaration by former President Goodluck Jonathan in response to the Boko Haram crisis.
The declaration of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu marks a significant intervention in response to a political crisis and increasing pipeline vandalism. The suspensions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers have been met with legal challenges from the Nigerian Bar Association, questioning the legitimacy of such actions. As Nigeria navigates these troubled waters, the implications for governance and democratic integrity remain to be seen.
Original Source: www.wral.com
