Latest Update On State Of Emergency In Rivers State

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has again urged President Bola Tinubu to reinstate Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly. This appeal comes amid growing concerns over the suspension of the state’s democratic structures.

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PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, expressed hope that President Tinubu would heed the calls of Nigerians and restore normal governance in Rivers State. Igali commended President Tinubu for signing the South-South Development Commission Bill into law, which aims to address the region’s unique challenges.¹

Igali noted that the signing of the bill has boosted the confidence of the people in the commitment of the Federal Government to promote even regional development across the country. He emphasized the importance of appointing competent and experienced individuals to the newly established commission to maximize its impact.

PANDEF also reiterated the need to address other pressing concerns in the Niger Delta, particularly environmental remediation due to oil and gas production and the severe infrastructural deficit affecting the region. Igali called on the federal government to prioritize these issues as part of its broader development agenda for the South-South region.

It’s worth noting that President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. The president cited the prolonged political crisis in the oil-rich state and the failure of both the executive and legislative arms to resolve their differences.