Tinubu Suspends Governor, Lawmakers Over Pipeline Vandalism
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers for six months. The decision follows months of political tension and recent pipeline vandalism, including a fire on the Trans Niger Pipeline. Tinubu criticized the governor for failing to address the crisis, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s military administrator.
The emergency declaration marks the first in over a decade for Nigeria, a country with a history of military rule and political instability. Tinubu emphasized the need for constitutional measures to restore order, citing the state’s inability to function effectively due to ongoing political disputes and security challenges.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the suspensions as unconstitutional, arguing that emergency rule does not grant the president authority to dissolve elected state governments. NBA President Afam Osigwe called the move a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy, urging adherence to constitutional provisions.
This declaration has drawn comparisons to the 2013 emergency under President Goodluck Jonathan, which targeted Boko Haram insurgency in northeastern states but did not suspend governors. Critics argue that Tinubu’s actions may overstep constitutional boundaries, sparking debates on the balance of power in Nigeria’s federal system.
As military trucks deploy to Rivers State, the situation underscores the challenges of governance in Africa’s top oil producer. The emergency highlights the tension between maintaining order and upholding democratic principles in a nation of over 210 million people.
Source: AfricaNews