President Bola Tinubu has declared a statement of emergency in Rivers State.
Tinubu made the pronouncement in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday night.
The president also suspended the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy for a period of six months, appointing a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ikwe Ibas, as the Sole Administrator of the State.
Tinubu also suspended all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State and nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.
“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state,” he said.
This decision comes hours after Tinubu met with his service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
Details later…