President Bola Tinubu has declared State of emergency in Rivers State following the political unrest in the state.

President Tinubu made this known in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday monitored.

Tinubu declared retired military chief Ibas to oversee the state during the emergency period.

Recall that tensions have risen between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, as efforts to remove the governor from office intensify.

On Monday, the Rivers State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing gross misconduct.

Rivers, a key hub of Nigeria’s oil industry, has seen increasing unrest.

An explosion rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, late Monday night. The resulting fire has raised concerns over possible sabotage, though investigations are ongoing.

Protests have also erupted across the state in response to the impeachment move.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Tinubu met with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Attendees included Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and DSS Director General Oluwatosin Ajayi.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu were also present.

While details of the meeting were not disclosed, it is believed to be linked to the worsening crisis in Rivers State.