The Nigerian Federal Government has clarified its position on the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, emphasizing the necessity of the intervention and outlining the administrative changes that accompany it. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, addressed journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, explaining that the move was taken to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order in the state, which has been experiencing significant political turmoil. The government firmly denied any influence by former Rivers Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the crisis leading to the emergency declaration. Furthermore, Fagbemi confirmed that allocated funds would be disbursed to the state’s newly appointed administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, upon request, recognizing the exceptional circumstances necessitating continued financial support for the state’s operations.
The decision to declare a state of emergency and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the entire state House of Assembly for six months was a direct response to escalating political tensions within the state. President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, according to the Attorney-General, was timely and necessary to avert further deterioration of the situation. He explained that the President had previously engaged with the involved parties, encouraging dialogue and mediation to resolve the escalating conflicts. However, the continued unrest and the potential for further destabilization prompted the decisive action of declaring a state of emergency. The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as the state administrator aims to bring stability and ensure the continuity of governance during this period.
The Federal Government’s justification for the state of emergency underscores its concern about the potential for widespread disruption and the imperative to restore order in Rivers State. The political unrest stemmed from deep-seated conflicts between the governor and the state legislature, creating a volatile environment that threatened to cripple the state’s functioning. The Attorney-General’s remarks highlight the President’s efforts to promote dialogue and peaceful resolution before resorting to the extraordinary measure of declaring a state of emergency. This emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and the necessity of immediate action to prevent further escalation. The appointment of an experienced administrator further reinforces the commitment to restoring stability and ensuring the smooth running of the state’s affairs during this period of transition.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas, a seasoned military officer and former Chief of Naval Staff, takes on the role of administrator with a mandate to oversee the state’s affairs during the six-month emergency period. This appointment seeks to ensure continuity in governance, providing a steady hand amidst the political turbulence. The administrator’s primary responsibility is to maintain law and order, facilitate the restoration of stability, and create an environment conducive to resolving the underlying political conflicts that precipitated the crisis. The Federal Government’s commitment to releasing allocated funds to the administrator demonstrates its intent to ensure the continued functioning of essential services and prevent further hardship for the people of Rivers State.
The declaration of a state of emergency represents a significant intervention in the political landscape of Rivers State, aiming to address the escalating tensions and restore stability. The decision, though drastic, underscores the Federal Government’s concern for the well-being of the state and its citizens. The appointment of an experienced administrator, coupled with the commitment to providing necessary financial resources, underscores the government’s dedication to navigating this challenging period and facilitating a return to normalcy. The six-month timeframe provides an opportunity for the administrator to address the underlying issues and create an environment conducive to resolving the political disputes that led to the crisis.
The unfolding situation in Rivers State requires careful monitoring and evaluation. The success of the state of emergency will depend on the effectiveness of the administrator, the cooperation of various stakeholders, and the commitment to addressing the root causes of the political conflict. The Federal Government’s continued engagement and support will be crucial in facilitating a smooth transition and ensuring the long-term stability and prosperity of Rivers State. This intervention underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles and maintaining order while respecting the autonomy of states within the Nigerian federation. The next six months will be critical in determining whether the declared state of emergency achieves its intended objectives and paves the way for a more stable and harmonious political environment in Rivers State.
