Tinubu Suspends Rivers Governor, Declares State of Emergency
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a six-month State of Emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state assembly members. Citing "intense political instability" threatening national governance, Tinubu made the announcement in a national broadcast, acting under Section 305 of the Constitution.
Former Nigerian Navy Chief Ibok Ekwe Ibas has been appointed as Sole Administrator for the duration of the emergency rule. This move has swiftly led to a lawsuit filed at the Supreme Court by seven PDP-led states, challenging both the suspension and the legality of the emergency proclamation.
The PDP governors argue that the federal government has overstepped its constitutional boundaries, thereby undermining democratic governance. Legal experts are calling this a landmark case with the potential to significantly define the extent of federal emergency powers and the autonomy of Nigerian states.
As the Supreme Court considers the crucial questions of jurisdiction and the separation of powers, the nation awaits a verdict that could have far-reaching implications for the future application of emergency provisions under Section 305 of the Constitution.
I’m Adedayo Obadina
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