Rivers State is under a state of emergency in Nigeria due to pipeline vandalism

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria suspended the state governor, his deputy, and all lawmakers in Rivers State, which produces oil, and proclaimed a state of emergency on Tuesday.

According to Tinubu’s television broadcast, he has been notified by security personnel of “disturbing incidents of vandalism of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them” within the past two days.

“With all these and many more, no good and responsible president will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the constitution to address the situation in the state,” Tinubu stated.

Authorities previously stated that they were looking into the origin of a blast in Rivers state that caused the Trans Niger Pipeline, a vital oil route that carries crude from onshore oilfields to the Bonny export terminal, to catch fire.

A significant supply of crude oil comes from the Niger Delta’s rivers, and militants have previously destroyed pipelines, impeding exports and production.

Rival sections of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have been engaged in a political crisis in the state. Impeachment of the governor and his deputy was another threat made by the state parliament.

The federal government can enact laws to control the state under Tinubu’s declaration of emergency, and authorities can quickly send out security personnel to restore order if necessary.

In order to manage the activities of Rivers State for the first six months, Tinubu appointed a retired vice admiral as caretaker.

A copy of his proclamation has been forwarded to the National Assembly, which has the authority to accept or reject it, the president added.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” stated Tinubu.