By Cyprian Ajah

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, president Bola Alhmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers state expressing deep concern over the political crisis in the state.

He said: “I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance.

“Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did. But their efforts have been to no avail”

He stated further, “No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency”

Following the declaration, the Governor, Sim Fubara, his deputy and the members of the State House of Assembly are suspended for six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”

The declaration comes just hours after Ijaw Youth blocked East-West Road, a critical highway connecting major cities in the Niger Delta. Also, a report of explosion at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area could be another threat to peace in Rivers State that led to the state of emergency.