Why President Tinubu Declared A State Of Emergency In Rivers State

Minister Mohammed Idris Defends Tinubu's Move to Restore Governance in Rivers State

Naija News brings you the inside story behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's bold decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. On Tuesday, Tinubu made headlines by suspending the governor, the deputy governor, and all members of the state House of Assembly. The decision came amidst a growing political crisis in this oil-rich region. To ensure stability, Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the sole administrator for the state.

Now, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stepped up to explain the president's actions. In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Idris emphasized that this move wasn't about taking over Rivers State but about ensuring its smooth functioning. He made it crystal clear: “Rivers State belongs to the people of Rivers State. Just like every other state in Nigeria has its own leadership, President Tinubu wants to see Rivers State operate effectively too.”

Why Was This Move Necessary?

Idris described the situation in Rivers State as "very responsible but very painful." He pointed out that governance had completely broken down in the region. The state House of Assembly was dysfunctional, and the executive branch was facing serious challenges. To put it simply, the state's democratic structure was falling apart.

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“Democracy in Nigeria is built on the principle that all three branches of government must work together,” Idris explained. “When only one branch is functioning, you don’t have a fully functioning democracy. That’s exactly what was happening in Rivers State. The president had no choice but to intervene to restore balance and stability.”

The Constitutional Basis for This Decision

Idris also clarified that Tinubu's actions were grounded in the Nigerian Constitution. “Our founding fathers foresaw situations like this and included provisions to address them,” he stated. “The president used those constitutional powers to act in the best interest of the people of Rivers State.”

He went on to emphasize the urgency of the situation. “It would have been irresponsible for the president to sit back and watch as Rivers State slid further into chaos and violence. At some point, someone has to step in and restore law and order. That’s exactly what President Tinubu did.”

What Happens Next?

Idris assured the public that the state of emergency wouldn’t last longer than necessary. “As soon as the president sees that stability has been restored and the state is functioning properly, he will reinstate all democratic structures,” he concluded. “This is a temporary measure to ensure the people of Rivers State can live in peace and prosperity.”

In the end, it’s clear that President Tinubu’s decision was driven by a desire to protect the people of Rivers State and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system. While the move may be controversial, it underscores the president’s commitment to maintaining stability and order across the nation.