Emergency Rule In Rivers: Tinubu Had No Choice, Says Federal Government

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing it as a crucial move to restore governance and prevent further instability.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

President Tinubu announced the emergency rule on Tuesday, suspending the governor, his deputy, and all members of the state House of Assembly due to the escalating political crisis in the oil-rich state. He also appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.

Speaking in an interview with The Nation, Idris clarified that the president had no intention of taking over the governance of Rivers State or appointing a new governor.

“Rivers State belongs to its people,” he said. “Just as other states have their governors and function normally, the president wants Rivers State to function effectively as well.”

He described the decision as a “responsible yet painful” step, emphasizing that governance in the state had virtually collapsed. He pointed to the dysfunction of the House of Assembly and the serious challenges within the executive arm.

“In a democracy, the three arms of government must work together, with each checking the other,” he explained. “We cannot claim to have a functional democracy when only the executive is operating. That was not the case in Rivers, so the president had to act.”

Idris further stated that Tinubu’s decision was based on constitutional provisions, asserting that the situation had reached a breaking point that demanded urgent intervention.

“Our constitution anticipates such scenarios, which is why provisions exist for such actions. The president acted within his constitutional powers to restore order,” he said.

He stressed that Tinubu’s move was in the best interest of the people, aimed at preventing further violence and chaos.

“It would have been irresponsible for the president to stand by and watch Rivers State descend into violence,” Idris remarked. “At what point should he have intervened? The president acted decisively to restore law, order, and governance.”

Assuring that the emergency rule would not last longer than necessary, Idris said, “Once the president determines that normalcy has returned, he will ensure the reinstatement of all democratic structures in the state.