Moves to Declare State of Emergency in Rivers Reach Advanced Stage – Report

President Bola Tinubu has finalised plans to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State as the political conflict between Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara spirals into violence, according to report from Peoples Gazette 

According to two senior officials at the Presidential Villa who spoke on Tuesday morning, the decision was concluded overnight and is expected to be announced soon. A retired military chief, Ekwe Ibas, has been identified to take over the administration of the state once the emergency is declared.

The move follows months of political tension and recent violent outbreaks stemming from the rift between Mr Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Mr Fubara, his successor as governor. Mr Wike has been accused of leading efforts to undermine Mr Fubara’s authority, triggering a series of confrontations that have left the state on edge.

Presidential spokespeople declined comment when reached. Efforts to contact both Mr Wike and Mr Fubara were unsuccessful as they did not respond to requests for comment.