The sole administrator must lead with a clear vision, a steady hand, and a commitment to both security and governance excellence, writes ABIODUN OLUWADARE
A state of emergency is one of the most drastic constitutional measures a government can take in response to a serious security threat. It is not a routine political intervention but an extraordinary decision signaling a breakdown of governance, law, and order. When declared, it typically indicates that conventional civil authority has been rendered ineffective, and urgent action is necessary to prevent total anarchy.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, resulting in the suspension of the Governor and the state legislature, underscores the severity of the crisis. As a major oil-producing region and a commercial hub, Rivers State plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape. Instability here has national and even international implications.