Rivers Assembly Backs Emergency Rule, Blames Fubara for Crisis
The Rivers State House of Assembly has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, following prolonged political instability. The president’s directive also saw the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers, with retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as the state administrator. Speaker Martin Amaewhule justified the move, accusing Fubara of “despotic and tyrannical actions,” including disobeying court rulings and obstructing the legislature. He called on residents to remain calm, asserting that Tinubu’s decision was in the country’s best interest. Read more
Athena Commentary: The Rivers Assembly’s endorsement raises concerns about the erosion of democratic governance and the precedent it sets. While Fubara’s alleged misconduct deserves scrutiny, the sweeping suspension of elected officials and imposition of an unelected administrator undermine constitutional processes. The legislature’s compliance, despite claiming it was “not what we prayed for,” suggests political convenience rather than principled governance. This move also intensifies political tensions, potentially deepening instability rather than resolving it.
NBA asks national assembly to ‘reject any attempt’ to ratify Fubara’s suspension
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has asked the national assembly to “reject any unconstitutional attempt to ratify” the suspension of Siminalayi Fubara as governor of Rivers state. The NBA said President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara is illegal and a “dangerous affront” to the country’s democracy. Read more
Athena Commentary: The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has emphasized a key issue regarding constitutional democracy. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria clearly separates powers among government branches and does not allow the President to unilaterally suspend an elected governor, deputy governor, or state legislature members, even during a state of emergency. Declaring a state of emergency is serious but does not eliminate state-level democratic governance. Actions that bypass constitutional processes threaten the federal structure and the rule of law, which are essential to Nigeria’s democracy. The NBA is committed to protecting these principles and ensuring no government branch exceeds its authority.
Dangote halts sale of petroleum products in naira
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has temporarily halted the sale of petroleum products in naira. The refinery announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday. The development comes a few hours after TheCable reported that the refinery would stop loading petroleum products for the Nigerian market as the renegotiation of the naira-for-crude deal is not recording significant progress. Read more
Athena Commentary: The Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s decision to halt the sale of petroleum products in naira could have mixed implications for Nigeria and its citizens. On one hand, aligning sales transactions with crude oil purchase obligations denominated in U.S. dollars might help the refinery avoid financial mismatches and ensure smoother operations. This could potentially stabilize the refinery’s output and maintain its contribution to the Nigerian market in the long term. It could also strain the affordability of petroleum products for Nigerians, especially given the economic challenges many already face. The ultimate Impact will depend on how quickly the naira-for-crude deal is renegotiated and whether the refinery resumes sales in naira soon.
Fubara Responds to Emergency Rule, Calls for Calm and Wisdom
Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged residents to remain calm following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and his removal from office. In his address, Fubara insisted that while political disagreements existed, governance had remained stable, with salaries paid and projects ongoing. Read more
Athena Commentary: Fubara’s response projects an image of resilience and measured defiance, but it stops short of directly challenging the legitimacy of Tinubu’s action. While he frames himself as a champion of good governance, the political crisis in Rivers has clearly escalated beyond his control. His claim that the state remained “safe, secure, and peaceful” contrasts with reports of militant attacks, which Tinubu cited to justify his intervention. Ultimately, his emphasis on patience and wisdom suggests a strategy of legal and political manoeuvring rather than outright confrontation, though whether this will restore his authority remains uncertain.
Compiled by Kesiena Jasper