President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The president also named a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, an administrator.
Tinubu made the declaration on Tuesday during a national broadcast.
“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.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, the decision have greeted heavy criticism from Nigerian.
Former vice president Atiku Abubakar has described the emergency rule declaration as a form of political manipulation over Rivers State.
Also, the Presidential candidate of Labour party in 2023 election, Peter Obi has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the emergency rule describing it as senseless.
He however appealed to the National assembly, NASS to dismissed the directive when tabled before the house.
Details later…
