Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich Rivers State, citing a worsening security and governance crisis following a major explosion on the Trans Niger Pipeline. The blast, which occurred on Monday, is reportedly costing the country an estimated $35.3 million in daily losses.
In a televised address on Tuesday, President Tinubu pointed to rising acts of pipeline vandalism allegedly carried out by militants, criticizing the state’s leadership for failing to respond effectively.
“The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them,” Tinubu said.
Invoking Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, Tinubu declared the emergency effective immediately and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas has been appointed as the interim administrator.
“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,” Tinubu added, clarifying that such regulations would require approval by the Federal Executive Council and ratification by the president.
Tinubu’s move stems not only from the recent explosion but also from Fubara’s prior actions, including the demolition of the state House of Assembly over a year ago and failure to restore constitutional order despite court rulings. The president described the resulting situation as a “political crisis” that no longer reflected democratic governance.
Police have launched an investigation into the pipeline explosion, while federal authorities aim to restore stability in a state crucial to Nigeria’s oil output and economic stability.
