President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency within the Rivers State has attracted the attention of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
In response to the state’s political concerns, the president declared a state of emergency within Rivers in a broadcast across the country on Tuesday.
He also suspended the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, as well as Rivers State House of Assembly members, all for a period of six months.
President Tinubu subsequently appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as Administrator to oversee the business of the state in the interest of the Rivers State people.
In response to the development, PANDEF’s National Spokesman, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini, responded with a statement labelling the move as disturbing.
The sociopolitical organ of the South-South geopolitical zone stated that the development would be looked into and that their position would be made public.
The statement continues, “Pandef is seriously disturbed by the announcement of state of emergency in Rivers State following an avoidable tragedy.
“We are therefore studying the situation and we shall soon come up with PANDEF position.”