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Governors

Peace Returns to Rivers State as Emergency Rule is Lifting

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Port Harcourt, the capital city of Rivers State, was filled with music, dance, and celebration as news spread that the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu had been lifted. The measure had suspended the activities of the state government and its legislative arm, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) taking charge of the state's affairs. However, with the ban lifted on Tuesday, September 17, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, were expected to resume duties on September 18.

Critics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and presidential candidate Peter Obi, had condemned the move as unconstitutional, citing that the suspension of the governor and the Assembly was an attack on democracy. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also described Tinubu's action as "whimsically autocratic," stating it was a threat to the country's democracy. However, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) welcomed the decision, praising President Tinubu for restoring democratic governance in the state.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has resumed plenary, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule directing the governor to submit a list of commissioner nominees and the appropriation bill for approval. The Assembly also resolved to probe the six months' expenditure during the emergency rule.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the state legislature.
  • The measure was met with widespread criticism, with critics accusing the president of breaching the constitution and undermining democracy.
  • The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the move, describing it as "whimsically autocratic" and a threat to the country's democracy.
  • Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) welcomed the decision to lift the ban, praising President Tinubu for restoring democratic governance in the state.
  • Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, were expected to resume duties on September 18.
  • The Rivers State House of Assembly resumed plenary, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule directing the governor to submit a list of commissioner nominees and the appropriation bill for approval.
  • The Assembly also resolved to probe the six months' expenditure during the emergency rule.

Statistics:

  • March 18: President Bola Tinubu declares a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
  • September 17: The ban on democratic institutions in Rivers State is lifted by President Tinubu.
  • September 18: Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, are expected to resume duties.
  • Six months: The duration of the state of emergency in Rivers State.
  • 23: The number of local government areas in Rivers State.
  • 10th Assembly: The current legislative session of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Sources:

  • ThisDAY
  • African Democratic Congress (ADC)
  • Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)
  • Rivers State House of Assembly
  • Channels Television's Politics Today
  • Wike's statement on Channels Television

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