President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing concerns over the ongoing political crisis in the region.
The announcement was made during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday night, where the President expressed deep concern over the situation. Tinubu accused Governor Siminilayi Fubara of demolishing the State House of Assembly building, an action he described as a key factor in escalating tensions.
“Having made an evaluation of the situation, I have decided to declare a state of emergency from March 18,” Tinubu stated.
The decision follows a high-level security meeting held earlier in the day at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. The meeting, which began around 3 p.m., was attended by the President’s service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
Also present at the meeting were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.
The declaration of a state of emergency means the federal government will assume greater control over security and governance in Rivers State to restore stability.
