President Bola Tinubu designated Vice Admiral Ibot-Ette Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the only administrator of the state for the duration, while excluding the judiciary from the harsh punishment.

Additionally, Tinubu placed the state’s crisis entirely on Fubara, thereby clearing his FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a key player and contributor to the state’s crisis.

An explosion that hit the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), one of Nigeria’s largest oil pipelines, is thought to have been the catalyst for the development.

It caused major disruption and raised concerns about economic losses and environmental damage.

Amid the escalating tension, Fubara has urged Rivers residents to maintain their peace and obey the law while he continues to interact with the appropriate institutions to sustain democracy.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has expressed its support for the imposition of an emergency rule in the state.

The assembly members pledged their commitment to working with the appointed sole administrator to ensure that the state’s governance and administrative functions proceed smoothly during this period.

This decision follows recent developments that necessitated a more centralized and controlled form of administration, aiming to address specific challenges within the state.

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The support from the assembly is likely seen as a move to maintain stability and ensure that the state’s governance continues without major disruptions.

However, the Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday March 18 by the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule.

Amaewhule said the Assembly would abide by the president’s decision, even though it was not what they had hoped for.

The Speaker blamed Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the crisis in Rivers State, accusing him of ignoring court judgments and failing to govern in line with the constitution.

“The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the governor, who serially disobeyed court judgments and obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly,” he stated.

Amaewhule called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with the Sole Administrator appointed by the president to oversee the affairs of the state.

“We urge everyone to remain calm as the Sole Administrator assumes duty. Rest assured that the Assembly will give him all the necessary support to restore order,” he added.

READ ALSO: Governor Fubara Finally Breaks Silence, Reacts To State Of Emergency Declared By President Tinubu In Rivers

The Speaker also expressed gratitude to the state’s citizens for their support, prayers, and patience during this disaster.

In addition to suspending Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for a period of six months, Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday.

He said that the decision was made in an effort to provide peace to the state, which has been experiencing political unrest due to a dispute between the state’s parliament and governor.

Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, was named an administrator for Rivers State by the president after his proclamation.