News Agency of Nigeria
Fubara, lawmakers’ position vindicates Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers-TMSG

Fubara, lawmakers’ position vindicates Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers-TMSG

By Emmanuel Oloniruha
‎The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG), says the new found harmony between Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and members of Rivers House of Assembly has vindicated Mr President for timely proclamation of emergency rule in Rivers.

‎The group made the observation in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Mr Dapo Okubanjo, in Abuja on Tuesday.

The group noted that the public assurance of a good working relationship by the governor and the lawmakers was completely different from their previous hard-line positions before the declaration of March 8 emergency rule in the state.

‎The TMSG said that it has noticed how some political elements, including elder statesmen, had described President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of an end to the six months emergency rule in Rivers as nothing to celebrate.

“It is, however, a good development that the governor and members of the House of Assembly, whose actions led to the presidential proclamation, appeared to have now seen things from a different perspective,” the group said.

It added that from what the lawmakers said when they resumed plenary to Fubara’s broadcast, it was crystal clear that there was a new spirit of harmony between the two arms of government whose earlier crisis grounded peace and governance in the state.

“This new development, for us, is a far cry from the politically toxic situation that compelled Tinubu to declare a state of emergency.

“It is a major pushback from the tipping moment of looming crisis when both parties held on to their entrenched positions in spite of a court ruling,” the group said.

TMSG further said that it was beggars-belief that opposition elements claimed that there was no basis for the declaration of emergency rule in a state, holding a chunk of the country’s oil infrastructure.

The group urged Nigerians to note how Fubara in his state-wide broadcast, acknowledged Tinubu’s noble role in successfully brokering a peace process which led to all the parties accepting to bury their hatchet in the interest of the good people of the oil-rich state.

“The implication of that comment is that it was within the period of the emergency rule that peace was brokered contrary to the position of those who insisted that there was no basis for the presidential proclamation.

‎“We, however, express hope that, as the governor said, hard lessons have been learnt and that all the parties would put the politics behind them to ensure that peace and stability truly return to Rivers,” the TMSG said.

‎The group also urged all the political stakeholders who were fanning the crisis to allow peace to reign in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Francis Onyeukwu

Tinubu lifts state of emergency in Rivers

Tinubu lifts state of emergency in Rivers

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE CESSATION OF THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State.

I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.

You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state.

In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration.

The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together.

Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised.

The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups.

Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker.

As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State’s affairs.

That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill.

Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State.

My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.

It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency.

The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance.

The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025.

I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State.

I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now.

I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration.

That is the way it should be in a democratic setting.

Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security.

Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State.

It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.

As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level.

The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy.

However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.

I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance.

This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us.

I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.

It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today.

The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.

I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people.

I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.

I thank you all.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
State House, Abuja
September 17, 2025

Divergent views trail Rivers’ 6-month emergency rule

Divergent views trail Rivers’ 6-month emergency rule

Rule

Some stakeholders in Rivers politics have expressed divergent views on the six-month emergency rule in the state, with some describing it as ineffective while others said it restored peace.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, declared a state of emergency on Rivers due to heightened political crisis.

The crisis was as a result of disagreement between Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and his political godfather, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, over control of state political resources.

The President suspended Fubara and members of Rivers House of Assembly, and announced retired Vice Admiral Ibom-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state.

Analysing the impact of the emergency rule, Mr Egele Bright, a Peoples Democratic Party  Chieftain in Andoni Local Government Area, said that Ibas restored peace to the state.

Bright said that, as the Sole Administrator, Ibas politically stabilised the state and doused tension, which was not there before the emergency rule.

“The smooth conduct of local government council elections and the swearing-in of chairmen and councillors across the 23 LGAs have also driven political stability to the grassroots,” he added.

In his contribution, Mr Henry Ekini, National Legal Adviser of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, described the emergency rule as avoidable.

He said the administrator had no mandate from the people and did not deliver on welfare and infrastructure.

Ms Annkio Briggs, a Niger Delta activist, said that Ibas did not implement key projects such as Trans-Kalabari Road and coastal bridges.

She said that the emergency rule denied the citizens elected leadership and undermined human capital development.

On Fubara’s reinstatement, Briggs said that there were concerns since the National Assembly was on recess.

Comrade Savior Oscar, President South-South Youths Initiative, a civil society group, called for an investigation into the six-month administration of Ibas.

Oscar said that Ibas conducted local government elections in the state and that were criticised by many Nigerians.

According to him, the emergency rule negatively affected  socio-economic activities in Rivers.

A lawyer, Mr Ambrose Igwe, expressed dissatisfaction that Ibas could not unveil those behind crude oil pipeline explosions that painted the state as unsafe.

On his part, Prof. Daniel Mbee, Director of the Centre for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies, urged Rivers residents to focus on the  development of the state.

He said that Ibas had done his part although  Rivers had stagnated compared to states such as Lagos.

Meanwhile,  Prof. Ibibia Worika, Secretary to the State Government, has announced commencement of the state’s transition from emergency rule to democratic governance.

He announced an inter-denominational church thanksgiving as part of transition activities.

Commenting on the planned transition, a lawyer, Mr Gogonte Obadiah, noted that the state of emergency was  expected to last for an initial period of six months, which would elapse on Sept. 18.

Mr Neo Wilcox, a Port Harcourt resident, said that personal or collective interests  were expected to  play out upon Fubara’s reinstatement, urging  a common ground and necessary compromise  in the interest of the state.

Mr Felix Ogeh, a businessman, urged collective efforts in protecting peace in Rivers to avoid more crisis.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

Rivers indigenes sue FG, RSIEC over planned LG Poll

Rivers indigenes sue FG, RSIEC over planned LG Poll

By Wandoo Sombo

Five indigenes of Rivers have sued the Federal Government, Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to court over plans to conduct local government elections on Aug. 30.

They said that the state government under the leadership of Ibas has fixed Aug. 30 to conduct local government elections in the state.

The plaintiffs, Fredrick Ededeh, Benita Samuel, Jane Madubuike, Boma Aggo and Comfort Agbom, all indigenes of Rivers dragged the defendants’ to the Federal High Court, Abuja asking the court to stop the planned council elections.

They cited the continued existence of a state of emergency in the state as a major ground for their suit.

In the suit marked  FHC/ABJ/CS/1144/2025, filed through their counsel, Mr Sunday Ezema, the plaintiffs are seeking a judicial interpretation on whether local government elections can be lawfully conducted during a state of emergency.

According to them, the President, in the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025, stated that there existed clear and present danger or imminent breakdown of public order and public safety.

“He also said there is a clear and present danger of the looming crises which has affected good governance, peace, security and order in Rivers.”

They argued that the emergency situation had not ceased, and that the president had not revoked or suspended the proclamation, thereby making the planned conduct of local government elections unlawful.

The plaintiffs further submitted that elections should not take place under such emergency conditions, where there was no guarantee of public order and safety.

They also contended that voters could not be expected to participate in elections amid a breakdown of governance, peace, and security.

The suit, filed on Aug. 11 also asked for  an order of the court to stop the conduct of the elections on Aug. 30 or any other date during the period of the state of emergency, which they insisted was still in force.

In the event that the elections proceed, the plaintiffs  asked the court to declare the outcome null and void.

The plaintiffs recalled that the previous local government elections conducted under the administration of Gov. Siminalayi Fubara were later nullified by the court due to irregularities.

They argues that the current case appeared to raise similar legal concerns.

The plaintiffs also prayed the court to declare that there was a clear and present danger and looking crises in Rivers which led to the state of emergency.

“A declaration that the clear and present danger or imminent breakdown of public order and public safety and looming crises in Rivers which led to the proclamation of a state of emergency on March 18,  has not abated, and that the proclamation remains in effect until at least six months after that date.

“A declaration that the Rivers  government, the sole administrator, and RSIEC cannot lawfully conduct local government council elections during the subsistence or pendency of the state of emergency.

“A declaration that any local government council elections conducted on Aug. 30 or any date within the emergency period, are illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

The case, has however, not been assigned to a judge for hearing.(NAN)


Edited by Sadiya Hamza

UNIPORT confers honorary degree of Doctor of Science on Wike 

UNIPORT confers honorary degree of Doctor of Science on Wike 

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 18, 2025 (NAN) The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc Honoris Causa) on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike.

The Vice-Chancellor of university, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, disclosed during the presentation of the conferment letter to Wike, at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday.

Georgewill added that the official decoration and presentation of the certificate would be on July 26, as part of activities to celebrate the university’s 50th anniversary.

He explained that the Act of the university empowered it to award honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the growth of the nation.

He said that the university’s Senate approved the conferment based on Wike’s track record in public service and contributions to the development of the university and Rivers.

“Today marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary celebration of the university of Port Harcourt, and there is no better place to commence the ceremony than where we are today.

“You are also a distinguished alumnus of the university, and so the university is honouring you not only for your service but also your service to the University of Port Harcourt.

“Your footprints are just there for everybody to see in the university.

“We are proud to be associated with you and the university is indeed very proud that you attended it; you have a DNA of that institution in you,’’ Georgewill said.

Mrs Gloria Chindah, Registrar and Secretary to Council had earlier conveyed the confinement of the honorary doctorate degree on the minister in a letter dated June 10.

“It is with profound please that I write to convey to you the decision of the Senate of the University of Port Harcourt at its Extra-Ordinary meeting held on Tuesday, 3rd June, 2025 to confer on you, an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (DSc Honoris Causa) in recognition of your visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to governance in Rivers and Nigeria.

“The conferment will be made at the 35th Convocation Ceremony of the university, which is scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 26, 2025,” she said.

Presenting the letter, the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, thanked Wike for being a good ambassador of the university.

Ohuabunwa said: “The university is very proud of you because in every endeavour of your life you have made us proud.

“When you were the Chairman and Security Head of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers, you defended the university.

“When you were the minister of education, you attracted great developments to the university.

“Today the Faculty of Law is in the university because Nyesom Wike was the minister of education.”

He added that Wike did not only bring the faculty of law to the university, but he also built it.

“As if that was not enough, when you became the governor of Rivers, you made an indelible mark and built one of the best Convocation Arenas in West Africa.

“Few weeks back, when we came to congratulate you on your appointment as FCT Minister, you donated a multimedia centre for the convocation arena,” he said.

He informed the minister that the convocation arena would be inaugurated on July 25, as part of the university’s golden jubilee.

Responding, Wike thanked the university for the honour saying “for me, it is the university that gave me everything.

“I am a proud alumnus of the university where I first studied political science before studying another degree in law”.

He explained that as the then minister of education, he wondered why a conventional university did not have a faculty of law.

Wike added that he felt bad and made it a point of duty for the university to have the faculty, including the Faculty of Social Sciences, to separate it from the Faculty of Humanities.

He added that he equally built one of the best convocation arenas for the university because it deserves the best.

“If I am in a position to do more for my university, I will continue to do it.

“I am happy and I accepted the offer on behalf of my family, my wife and my friends and promised to be there to celebrate the golden jubilee of the university.

“I will continue to partner and support the university,” Wike said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Senate constitutes 18-member committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers

Senate constitutes 18-member committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers

Committee
By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has set up an 18-member committee to oversee the implementation of emergency rule in Rivers, following the suspension of democratic government in the state.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement at the resumption of sitting on Tuesday after the Easter recess.

Akpabio stressed the need for a committee like that of the House of Representatives for oversight of the functions of the Sole Administrator and the Rivers State Government under emergency rule.

He named the chairman of the committee as the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Deputy Minority Whip, Sen. Rufai Hanga.

Other members are: Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP- Kebbi), Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo), Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu), Sen. Kaka Shehu (APC-Borno), Sen. Aminu Abbas (PDP-Adamawa) and Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos).

Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Sen. Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau), Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC-Cross River), Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) are also members.

The remaining members are: Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT), Sen. Onyekachi Nwaenboyi (APC-Ebonyi), Sen. Idiat Adebule (APC-Lagos), Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) and Sen. Mohamed Maidori (APC-Jigawa), while Mr Charles Bala will serve as the Clerk/Secretary of the committee.

“If there is need to review, it will be after further consultations with our colleagues. But in the meantime, they have to get to work immediately,” Akpabio. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Wale Sadeeq

Emergency rule: Reps inaugurates 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee Rivers govt.

Emergency rule: Reps inaugurates 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee Rivers govt.

Committee

By Ikenna Osuoha
The House of Representatives on Tuesday inaugurated a 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee the caretaker government in Rivers during the state of emergency.

Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said that the inauguration of the committee was in line with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

While reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to transparent governance in Nigeria, Abbas urged the committee to be non-partisan and impartial.

“Today’s inauguration of the 21-member ad-hoc committee on Rivers State reaffirms our constitutional commitment to transparent governance.

“Empowered by Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025 and pursuant to Section 11(4) of our Constitution, this committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate,” he said.

According to him, the committee is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers, ensuring that the caretaker administration adhered to the law.

The speaker said that the sensitivity and gravity of the assignment could not be over-emphasised, describing it as a litmus test for the committee members’ commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.

“The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny,” he said.

Abbas urged the committee members to conduct their oversight with highest level of impartiality and monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration in strict accordance with the constitution.

“Beyond mere oversight, your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State.

“You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process,” he said.

The speaker emphasised that the national assembly’s intervention in Rivers was not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.

He explained that it was the collective duty of the legislature to safeguard peace, security and rule of law in the state.

Abbas said any time that any state house of assembly was unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that state, the national assembly could make laws for the peace, order and good government in such state.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for rising to the occasion in Rivers, in accordance with section 305 of the constitution, he said it was a display of responsible leadership.

The speaker charged the Sole Administrator, Retired Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to be highly transparent in the discharge of his duties, saying that his government is temporary.

Responding, Chairman of the committee, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, thanked the speaker for rising to the occasion.

Ihonvbere, a professor and House Majority Leader, promised not to fail the national assembly and Nigerians at large in the discharge of their mandate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the committee include: Ali Isa, Deputy Chairman, Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Aliyu Betara, Sada Soli, James Faleke, Igariwey Enwo, Shehu Rijau and Wole Oke.

Others are: Akarachi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Onyeche, Fatima Talba, Chris Nkwonta and bibake Enenimiete. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Emergency rule: Tinubu acted in national interest- TDF

Emergency rule: Tinubu acted in national interest- TDF

 

The Democratic Front (TDF) has joined other patriotic groups and notable Nigerians to defend President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.

 

This is contained in a statement by its Chairman, Malam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

The TDF described it as a bold move to prevent a total breakdown of law and order following protracted political rancour between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

 

“We recall that less than a week before the presidential proclamation, the President hosted the leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in Abuja where he advised on quick implementation of the Supreme Court Judgement that recognized the 27 members of the State Assembly.

 

“Subsequently, The Democratic Front issued a statement after the event on the need to heed President Tinubu’s advice in obeying the Supreme Court Judgement, and also explore the window of reconciliation which was initiated by the President over a year ago.

 

“Unfortunately, PANDEF was not able to strike any reasonable compromise with the parties in the dispute, which has paralyzed the administration of the state with severe consequences on economic development in nearly two years.

 

“It was evident that both parties in the political dispute were not prepared to work together in the interest of the state.

 

“In our view, no responsible President or government will stay passive and watch the rapid degeneration of state affairs from an orderly democratic system anchored on the principle of the Rule of Law to condone lawlessness and look away from the theatre of a contrived balance of terror, as evident in the bombing of pipelines.

 

“We also welcome the unanimous approval of the State of Emergency by both chambers of the National Assembly, because we believe that President Tinubu acted in the interest of peace and security of residents of the state.”

 

TDF urge all the parties in the conflict to see the six months of the emergency rule as another opportunity to seek a peaceful end to their differences.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu right on Rivers state of emergency- TMSG

Tinubu right on Rivers state of emergency- TMSG

The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has said that President Bola Tinubu has a major responsibility to forestall further chaos and anarchy in Rivers State by proclaiming a state of emergency.

The group argued that intelligence at the President’s exclusive disposal was sufficient justification for his decision to declare a state of emergency and also suspend democratic institutions there for six months.

This, according to TMSG, is a fallout of the reluctance of the two parties in the political crisis to work together despite a presidential intervention and a recent Supreme Court ruling.

In a statement signed by its Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, TMSG argued that the President was left with no choice but to constitutionally intervene and restore security, stability and order in the state.

It said: “Our position on President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and members of the House of Assembly is simple. The president acted proactively to defuse an already charged situation.

“This follows the hard-line positions and reluctance of both parties in the political crisis in Rivers state to heed the voice of reason and act to return the state to peaceful governance in the aftermath of the recent Supreme Court ruling.

“We note that before then, President Tinubu had in December 2023 intervened by brokering a peace deal between Governor Fubara and the state legislators.

“The deal which was tabled at a meeting in Abuja attended by key political stakeholders, was to have culminated in the governor recognising and presenting the 2024 budget to the Martin Amaewhule-led assembly as well as reinstate the legislators’ remunerations and benefits while the Assembly members were to stop impeachment proceedings.

“Both sides were also to drop all pending court matters on the crisis. But to the surprise of many Nigerians, the parties stuck to their hard-line positions and failed to implement critical aspects of the peace deal.

“We were therefore surprised to see a claim by the former Rivers state Commissioner of Information that the governor implemented the President’s deal.

“So we wonder which one of the terms was implemented because the lawmakers have not had their benefits reinstated, and neither was the 2024 budget sent to them for approval.

TMSG said that even when the Supreme Court ruled on the matter, there was still a reluctance from both parties to work in harmony until the state legislators began impeachment proceedings which could have worsened the situation.

It added that the day after the impeachment notice was served, an explosion rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline, one of Nigeria’s biggest oil pipelines, which feeds the crude export terminal at Bonny.

It said a similar incident was also recorded a few hours later in the evening at a manifold connected to a federal pipeline deep inside the forest.

“So for us, an extraordinary measure was necessary to restore governance and prevent further breakdown of law and order in Rivers State, as the President noted in his 12-minute national broadcast.

“From all indications, the President watched and waited patiently for 15 months as both parties engaged in unnecessary filibustering and reneging until the truce brokered by the president was broken.”

TMSG further argued that there was no basis for comparing the President’s action to that of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 at the height of the war against insurgency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

“We acknowledge that President Jonathan indeed declared a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa but left the governors in place. But let Nigerians not forget that it was a war situation, which is different from what we have in Rivers State.

“President Tinubu did not declare emergency rule in Rivers strictly because of security issues. He made it clear that
his decision was necessary to restore peace, order, and governance in a state that had been embroiled in political turmoil for several months on end.

“So we believe that President Tinubu deserves credit for not only declaring a state of emergency but for also suspending the two parties for six months.

“We hope that it will give both parties enough time to ruminate and evaluate their actions since December 2023 and accept mediatory efforts they had shunned previously,” it added.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Rivers community debunks fresh pipeline explosion

Rivers community debunks fresh pipeline explosion

Explosion

By Desmond Ejibas

Residents of Bonny Local Government Area in Rivers have dismissed reports of a fresh pipeline explosion, confirming that no such incident occurred.

On Wednesday, viral reports claimed that militants had attacked two oil facilities in the area, which further heightened security concerns.

However, residents of Iloamatoru community, the purported site of the alleged explosion, refuted the claims, describing them as the work of mischief makers attempting to exploit the political crises in the state.

Chief Wari-Alabo Pollyn, Head of the Pollyn Chieftaincy House of Bonny Kingdom, stated that no explosion had taken place recently in the area.

“We are here in the community, and nothing of such happened – at least not to my knowledge,” he confirmed.

Similarly, Daniel Pollyn, a former Chairman of the Iloamatoru Security Surveillance Committee, also denied any pipeline attack in the area.

According to him, the community remains peaceful and does not tolerate violence.

“I can confirm that no such incident has occurred here.

“No flow station or oil facility is on fire or has exploded, as falsely reported,” he added.

Efforts to reach SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, for confirmation were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email