Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, following rising incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants. The move, announced Tuesday in a televised address, also includes the suspension of the state’s governor, deputy, and lawmakers. Tinubu cited security reports indicating ongoing vandalism of key infrastructure, including the Trans Niger Pipeline, without adequate action from local authorities to curb the attacks.
The declaration comes after a recent blast on the pipeline, which ignited a fire on the critical oil route, raising concerns over the state’s security and economic stability. Rivers State, a major oil-producing region, has also been embroiled in a political standoff within the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Tensions escalated with lawmakers threatening to impeach the governor and his deputy.
In response, Tinubu appointed a retired vice admiral to oversee the state for an initial six months, under the terms of the emergency decree. The federal government now has the authority to implement regulations and deploy security forces to restore order. A copy of the proclamation has been submitted to Nigeria’s National Assembly for approval.
This emergency measure underscores the federal government’s determination to address both security challenges and political instability in the oil-rich region.
