President Bola Tinubu has publicly expressed his appreciation to the Senate and the House of Representatives for their swift approval of the state of emergency he declared in Rivers State on Tuesday. The approval grants him the constitutional authority to implement emergency measures aimed at restoring order and stability to the troubled region.
It should be recalled that on Tuesday afternoon, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following escalating political tensions, widespread unrest, and threats to critical federal assets. Alongside this declaration, he also announced the suspension of the state’s governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, citing the need for urgent intervention to restore governance.
In an emergency session held earlier today, the Senate and House of Representatives deliberated on the President’s proclamation and subsequently approved the emergency measures. This approval officially grants President Tinubu the authority to take decisive actions to address the crisis, with a mandatory review of the situation within six months.
Reacting to the development, the President, through a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, commended the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, as well as other principal officers and members, for prioritizing the security and welfare of the people of Rivers State above partisan interests.
“The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023. As I detailed in my address to the nation on March 18, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation. This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability,” the statement partly reads.
President Tinubu further emphasized that the declaration of a state of emergency has empowered the newly appointed administrator to address the pressing concerns in Rivers State. The administrator is expected to formulate and implement urgent solutions to stabilize the state’s governance, ensure the protection of national assets, and maintain law and order.
As the situation unfolds, the President assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to upholding democratic values while taking necessary actions to protect the nation’s security and economic interests.