Emergency in Rivers State Emergency: An Update

March 21, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

The Nigerian president criticised the governor for not “taking any action to curtail” fresh incidents of pipeline vandalism reported in the last 24 hours, including a blast that resulted in a fire on the Trans Niger Pipeline.

Oil-rich River state, Africa’s top oil-producing state is immersed in the pipeline crisis, which is a euphemism for stealing oil from the oil pipeline connected to loading stations or refineries that process it.

A crisis in Rivers has been brewing for months between incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers. Many of the legislators are backed by his predecessor. This week, some lawmakers initiated an impeachment process against the governor, accusing him of various illegalities regarding the presentation of the state budget and the composition of the legislative chamber.

President Bola Tinubu said in a state broadcast he was suspending the governor and other elected officials, including the state lawmakers, for six months. The charges are that the governor was not “taking any action to curtail” fresh incidents of pipeline vandalism reported in the last 24 hours, including a blast that resulted in a fire on the Trans Niger Pipeline.

Nigeria’s former navy chief Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, who is retired, will become the military administrator of Rivers State and the judiciary will continue to function. Military trucks were quickly deployed to the Rivers State Government House following Tinubu’s announcement. Experts are of the view that the political stalemate might continue for some time since the deposed Governor also has his supporters.