Davidson Iriekpen examines the potential drawbacks of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. He has also appointed and sworn in a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the Sole Administrator of the state.
The president hinged his decision on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, saying he could not continue to watch the political situation in the state escalate without taking any measures.