Port Harcourt, Rivers state – President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday evening, March 18, declared a state of emergency in Rivers state.
Legit.ng reports that the Nigerian leader cited the prolonged political crisis and governance paralysis as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) continue their feud over the political control of the oil-rich state.
According to a prominent public affairs commenator, Charles Omole, the presidential declaration of a state of emergency has far-reaching constitutional consequences, including:
Meanwhile, President Tinubu’s declaration is not unprecedented.
Legit.ng looks at 5 other instances in the past when a presidential state of emergency was declared in Nigerian states. They are highlighted below:
2004 (Plateau state): Then-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, declared a state of emergency due to ethnic violence, suspending the governor, Joshua Dariye.
2006 (Ekiti state): State of emergency declared due to political instability.
2013 (Adamawa): The Nigerian leader at the time, Goodluck Jonathan, imposed emergency rule as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency.
2013 (Borno): Jonathan imposed emergency rule due to Boko Haram terror.
2013: (Yobe state) Jonathan imposed emergency rule due to Boko Haram crisis.
