In the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s announcement declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, the state government has opted for caution, refraining from commenting on the matter.
This follows the President’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly, as part of efforts to restore order amidst a political crisis.
Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers, suspends Fubara, others
When reached for a response, Joseph Johnson, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, said it was premature for the government to take a stance. “The president has made a declaration, and what do you think we can say? I think it is too early to make any comment about it,” Johnson stated, emphasizing the need for time before any official reaction.
As part of the emergency measures, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the six-month period of the state of emergency. The appointment of Ibas is seen as a key step in stabilizing the state’s administration as tensions between the executive and legislative arms continue to rise.