The Rivers State Government has stated that it is premature to react to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state. The declaration, made in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, follows the protracted political crisis between Governor Siminialayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
As part of the emergency measures, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months. He also appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
When contacted shortly after the announcement, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, stated that the government would refrain from making immediate comments. “The president has made a declaration, and what do you think we can say? I think it is too hasty to make any comment about it,” he said.