By Gwurld4026 
Presidential State of Emergency: Rivers Government’s Stance
The Rivers State Government has indicated that it is premature to comment on President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
This development follows President Tinubu’s announcement, during a national broadcast on March 18, 2025, of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The President suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
The President’s decision was attributed to escalating political crises and recent incidents of pipeline vandalism in the state. He expressed concern over the lack of action by state authorities to address these issues, emphasizing the necessity of federal intervention to restore order and protect national assets.
In response, the Rivers State Government has refrained from making immediate comments, suggesting that more time is needed to assess the situation and formulate an official stance.
The declaration has elicited mixed reactions nationwide. While some political figures have endorsed the President’s decisive action to maintain law and order, others have criticized it as an overreach of federal power. Notably, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused President Tinubu of being a “vested partisan actor” in the state’s political turmoil, suggesting that the declaration was made in bad faith.