Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara for an initial period of six months.

He also suspended all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and appointed Vice Admiral Ibas Ibokette, the immediate past Chief of Naval Staff, as the interim administrator of the state.

The move comes hours after an explosion rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline, a critical oil transport route that supplies crude oil to the Bonny Export Terminal.

The blast, which occurred late Monday night in Bodo community, Gokana Local Government Area, caused a fire that spread into surrounding mangrove forests. Videos shared online showed thick black smoke billowing from the site, raising fears of disruptions to Nigeria’s oil exports.

Authorities have not yet identified those responsible for the attack, although the police said two people had been arrested. Pluboard had reported on Monday that the escalating political crisis could threaten oil production in Nigeria’s third-largest oil-producing state.

“The affected section of the pipeline was immediately shut down, and the situation is now under control. Two individuals have been taken in for questioning as part of our investigation into possible sabotage,” said police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko.

Political turmoil

The crisis in Rivers state erupted after lawmakers loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, moved to impeach Gov. Fubara. The feud, which has divided the state government, intensified last week when the Supreme Court ruled that Fubara must recognize all 30 lawmakers, including the 27 allied with Wike.

Before the ruling, Fubara had governed with only four loyal lawmakers and had withheld salaries from the others.

Following the court ruling, Speaker Matthew Amaewhule demanded that Fubara resubmit the 2025 budget to the full House, but the governor’s allies allegedly locked the Assembly complex to prevent a presentation. Lawmakers accused him of failing to follow due process, and on Sunday, they issued an impeachment notice, citing gross misconduct, unauthorized spending, and destruction of state property.

The crisis has sparked ethnic tensions, with Ijaw leaders warning of retaliatory attacks on oil facilities if Fubara is removed. The Ijaw, Rivers’ second-largest ethnic group, see the impeachment attempt as a political move to undermine their representation.

The unrest threatens Nigeria’s Tinubu’s projected oil output of 2.2 million barrels per day.

Impact on oil production

Rivers State plays a vital role in Nigeria’s oil industry, which accounts for 90% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

The Trans-Niger Pipeline, with a capacity of 180,000 barrels per day, is one of the country’s most crucial oil transport routes. Frequent attacks on oil facilities and conflicts with local communities have forced major oil companies, including Shell, to divest from onshore operations.

Shell recently advised its staff in Rivers to exercise caution due to politically motivated clashes in the region. “Gunshot injuries have been reported in Elele, Ikwerre Rivers State. Employees are advised to be cautious when traveling,” the company stated in an internal memo.