Femi Fani-Kayode Commends President Tinubu for Declaring State of Emergency in Rivers StateFormer Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. The declaration comes in response to the prolonged political crisis that has unsettled the state for several months.
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Fani-Kayode expressed strong support for Tinubu’s decisive action, likening the President’s intervention to that of a father stepping in to restore order among feuding children. He emphasized that the declaration would help restore peace and stability in the state while compelling the key political actors to act more responsibly.
“The declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rivers State is a bold and commendable move that will restore peace and sanity to the state. I also believe this will go a long way in bringing all the major players in the conflict back to their senses. When children refuse to stop fighting, the father must step in lest they burn the house down,” Fani-Kayode stated.
Shortly before Fani-Kayode’s statement, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all 27 elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. This unprecedented move effectively removes the state’s political leadership from power.
Tinubu justified his decision by stating, “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”
To ensure the continued administration of the state, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State. Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, has been tasked with overseeing the affairs of the state during this period in the interest of maintaining order and serving the people of Rivers State.
This drastic action by the President marks a significant intervention in the political affairs of Rivers State, with many observers waiting to see how the situation unfolds in the coming months.
