Following the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the urgent deployment of additional police personnel and advanced security equipment to the region. This move is in collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies to enhance public safety, protect lives and properties, and secure critical infrastructure. Increased Security Measures to Maintain Stability In an official statement released by the Force Headquarters, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring law and order in Rivers State. The security reinforcement aims to deter any unlawful activities that could escalate tension or threaten public peace. “The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that all aggrieved individuals have the legal right to seek redress through judicial processes. Any form of unauthorized protest, unlawful assembly, or activities intended to disrupt public peace will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law,” the statement emphasized. Citizens Urged to Comply with Security Directives The IGP urged all residents of Rivers State to remain law-abiding, adhere to government directives, and continue with their daily activities without fear. The statement assured the public of the police force’s unwavering dedication to peacekeeping and security enforcement. Furthermore, the public is encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities that could compromise security. Individuals or groups intending to disrupt peace in the state are warned to desist, as law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to take decisive action against any threats. Context of the Emergency Declaration The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was officially announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025. The move underscores the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region. For further details on emergency rule enforcement and security measures, visit Nigeria Police Force Official Website. Nigeria Police Force Official Website READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas Commits to Law and Order in Rivers State Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the newly appointed Administrator of Rivers State, has assured that he will work closely with all stakeholders to restore peace and stability in the state. His statement came after his official swearing-in ceremony, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. The brief inauguration event was witnessed by key government officials, including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside other presidential aides. Ibas Outlines Priorities for Rivers State Speaking to journalists at the State House, Ibas emphasized the importance of law and order, stating that without security and stability, meaningful development in Rivers State would be unattainable. “We all understand the circumstances that brought us here. As clearly stated by Mr. President in his national address, maintaining law and order is the primary focus,” Ibas noted. “For any progress to be achieved in Rivers State, ensuring peace and stability is of utmost priority. I will collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to foster security and governance, not just in the state but across Nigeria.” State of Emergency in Rivers and Ibas’ Appointment President Tinubu, in his national address on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to ongoing political tensions. As part of the emergency measures, the President appointed Ibas to oversee the state’s administration for an initial six-month period. Who is Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas? Ibas, born on September 27, 1960, has had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy. He was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in 1983 and steadily rose through various command positions before being appointed Chief of Naval Staff by former President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2015. He held the position until his retirement in 2021. Following his retirement, Ibas was appointed as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, where he served between 2021 and 2023, further enhancing his diplomatic and leadership credentials. Implications of the State of Emergency The state of emergency in Rivers State is a significant development that has sparked reactions from political analysts and stakeholders. Many are watching closely to see how Ibas will navigate the crisis and restore confidence in governance. Read more about Nigeria’s governance structure here. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Soldiers Take Over Rivers Government House After Tinubu Declares State of Emergency In a dramatic turn of events, heavily armed soldiers have taken control of the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state. Eyewitness reports confirm that an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) has been positioned at the entrance of the Government House on Azikiwe Road. It remains unclear whether Governor Siminalayi Fubara was inside the premises when military forces moved in around 9 PM. Tension Rises as Residents Flee Amid Political Uncertainty The sudden deployment of military personnel has created tension among residents, many of whom rushed home out of fear of escalating violence. The declaration by President Tinubu came amid the ongoing political power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). President Tinubu’s Justification for the State of Emergency In his national broadcast, President Tinubu cited the persistent political turmoil in Rivers State as the reason for his decision, stating that all political interventions had failed to resolve the crisis. He announced: “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for six months. In the meantime, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) has been appointed as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs in the best interest of the people. This decision does not affect the judicial arm of the state, which will continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate.” Governor Fubara’s Response and Call for Calm Reacting to the suspension, Governor Siminalayi Fubara released a statement urging residents to remain calm. He emphasized his commitment to democratic principles and reassured the people of Rivers State that he would work through constitutional channels to challenge the decision. In his statement titled “Press Release by the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” Fubara accused lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike of frustrating his efforts to comply with the Supreme Court ruling. He stated: “My dear Rivers people, I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm as we navigate this difficult moment in our state’s political history. From the onset of my administration, I have remained committed to constitutional order, the protection of lives and property, and the progress of our dear state. Even in the face of political instability, we have prioritized the rule of law and the interests of the people above personal ambitions.” Legal and Political Experts Condemn the Move While the federal government insists that the state of emergency is necessary to restore order, political analysts and legal experts have criticized the decision. Several prominent figures have described it as unconstitutional, arguing that the suspension of elected officials undermines democracy. Renowned constitutional lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) remarked in an interview that the move sets a dangerous precedent and could face legal challenges in court. (Source: Legit.ng) What’s Next for Rivers State? With Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) now overseeing governance in Rivers State, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. Many anticipate legal battles and possible public protests in response to what critics call an undemocratic decision. For now, the people of Rivers State remain on edge, awaiting further developments in what has become one of the most contentious political crises in recent Nigerian history. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
