In response to the recent pipeline explosions in Rivers State, the Federal Government has deployed 10,000 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel to curb further attacks on oil installations.
Confirming the development on Wednesday, NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale stated that anti-vandal operatives have been sent to the affected areas, particularly in the Niger Delta, to protect critical infrastructure and prevent future pipeline vandalism.
“The NSCDC hereby warns against destruction and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure across the Niger Delta as over 10,000 operatives have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to provide adequate peace and security of lives and property,” Babawale said.
This came as the opposition lawmakers and Organised Labour protested the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu in a national broadcast on Tuesday announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu and the state assembly members.
He also nominated Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the state’s sole administrator.
Ibas, who was sworn in at the Aso Villa on Wednesday, will administer the state for an initial period of six months.
Before the declaration of the emergency rule, the political atmosphere in the state was charged, leading to three explosions within two days.
The explosions followed threats by Ijaw groups against the push to impeach Fubara, as they vowed to disrupt oil production and cripple the economy if lawmakers removed the governor.
On Monday, the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, listed 19 infractions committed by Fubara in a misconduct notice, setting the stage for his impeachment.
Before the notice was served on both the governor and his deputy, there was an explosion on Sunday at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
Security agents on Wednesday recovered a corpse at the scene of the explosion, while a suspect was arrested in connection with the blast.
An official said the suspect was arrested following credible intelligence from Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited’s covert team operating in Aluu.
The PINL staff member, who gave his name simply as Ebikeme, said, “On Sunday the 16th day of March 2025, there was a blast on the TNP Pipeline Right of Way in Aluu – Zone 5 and a suspected vandal was found dead at the site of the incident from the effects of the blast.
“Upon further investigation, a suspected vandal was apprehended in connection with the incident. The suspect is currently in the custody of the Nigeria Police while further investigation is being carried out to nab all the perpetrators.”
Speaking on the deployment of 10,000 armed personnel of the NSCDC to curb pipeline vandalism, Babawale said the commands nationwide are on high alert to protect the nation’s vital assets, particularly in the Niger Delta.
Babawale stated, “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has a statutory mandate as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
“In this regard, the corps across the federation have placed the commands and formations on red alert to forestall all acts of economic sabotage, pipeline vandalism and destruction of government utilities.
“However, it is a notable fact that no security agency has the monopoly of strategies in tackling crime and criminalities, hence the NSCDC is working in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the protection of lives and property.”
More soldiers deployed
On Wednesday,Governor Fubara moved out of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The governor’s destination could not be confirmed. It was unclear if he retired to his private residence in Port Harcourt or his hometown in Opobo.
However, more soldiers were seen in patrol vans trooping into the Government House.
One of our correspondents observed three Armoured Personnel Carriers at the entrance of the building.
Also, the movement of persons and vehicles into the Government House was being subjected to heavy security scrutiny.
An aide to Fubara who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that the soldiers were occupying the Government House.
He stated, “As I speak with you, more soldiers are entering the Government House. This afternoon, over 15 came in. They are believed to be an advanced team of the Sole Administrator who is still expected to resume duties. This evening, some more soldiers came in.”
The aide could not account for his principal’s whereabouts as of the time of filing this report.
N’Assembly debates today
The National Assembly has slated today to debate the legality of the emergency rule declared in Rivers State by the President.
The Senate and House of Representatives shifted the debate to today amidst a groundswell of opposition to the decision.
On Wednesday, House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, announced that the President had transmitted a letter to the National Assembly on the Rivers State crisis, saying that it would be read on the floor.
That was, however, not to be.
There was an earlier indication that the plenary could be rowdy when two female lawmakers, Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers) and Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) traded uncomplimentary words over the constitutionality or otherwise of the President’s decision to suspend democratic structures in the state.
It took the intervention of some members to restore order in the hallowed chamber, even as Ebonyi lawmaker, Kama Nkemkanma, was seen banging a table, claiming that, “Nothing will happen here today.”
Some legislators were seen conversing in low tones over the development in the South-South state as they awaited the commencement of plenary.
Following the approval of the votes and proceedings of the previous legislative day, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary in the absence of the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, called for the submission of petitions, an indication that the letter from the President would not be read.
However, after taking petitions and motions of urgent public importance, the charged atmosphere became calm as it was evident that the issue of emergency rule in Rivers State would not come up for mention.
The deputy spokesman of the House, Phillip Agbese (APC, Benue), said the House would only make its decision known after Mr President’s letter has been read and debated by members on the floor of the Green Chamber.
He noted, “The letter from the President has not been debated and the parliament has not taken any decision. There is nothing we can do about it for now until it is debated.
“For us as a parliament, it is still the same way that Nigerians have seen it on the pages of newspapers even though the leadership of the parliament was invited. But officially, Mr Speaker has not communicated that to the floor.”
At least 73 senators and 240 members of the House must vote in support of the emergency rule at the sittings of the lawmakers today.
Ibas sworn in
Tinubu, on Wednesday, swore in the sole administrator for Rivers State.
The AGF, Fagbemi; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Principal Private Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga and others witnessed the short ceremony at the State House, Abuja.
Born on September 27, 1960, Ibas was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy in 1983 and held various command positions until President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him the Chief of Naval Staff in August 2015.
He was retired when Buhari replaced his service chiefs in 2021.
After retirement from service, Buhari appointed him the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, where he served between 2021 and 2023.
Speaking with State House correspondents, Ibas pledged to prioritise peace, security, and stability in the state.
He stressed the need to restore law and order as the foundation for any meaningful governance and development in the state.
“First of all, I think we know the circumstances that led to where we are here,” he said, denoting the events that led to his appointment.
Ibas said the primary mandate of his administration was to work with all stakeholders to ensure stability.
“Mr President made it very clear in his broadcast. If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task,” he stated.
The retired naval chief affirmed that his administration would collaborate with relevant authorities and the people of Rivers State to restore peace and ensure effective governance.
‘Presidential declaration unconstitutional’.
The anger over the suspension of democratic structures in Rivers State continued to grow on Wednesday, with the opposition and Labour kicking against the decision.
The Peoples Democratic Party has berated President Tinubu and insisted that Fubara remained the Governor of Rivers State despite the declaration of a state of emergency and his suspension by the President.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, stated that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant President Tinubu the authority to declare a state of emergency or suspend a governor.
Ologunagba stated, “What President Tinubu is attempting to do is to suspend the 1999 Constitution, overturn a democratic government and foist an undemocratic regime in Nigeria in gross violation of Sections 1 (2), 14(2)(a), 180, 217(2)(b) (c) and 305 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“Section 180 of the 1999 Constitution is clear on the tenure of a state governor, which is prescribed as four years commencing from the date of the swearing-in. The only means provided for in the Constitution for the abridgment of the tenure of a governor is death, resignation, incapacitation or impeachment and not by suspension by the President.”
The PDP urged the National Assembly to exercise its legislative authority to address this constitutional violation.
Ologunagba emphasised the importance of maintaining calm and reiterated its unwavering support for Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State.
On his part, PDP South-South Caretaker Committee Chairman, Emma Ogidi, accused President Tinubu of focusing solely on Fubara while overlooking the involvement of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike, in escalating the Rivers crisis.
He stated, “Mr President, all through his speech, he blamed the governor for everything, but what happens to the chief investigator? No mention was made of the FCT Minister, his own minister, who we all know is the chief investigator.
“He has had several press briefings, has assaulted elders, has assaulted the Ijaw nation. Only last Saturday, he went to Abulama. He went with a contingent of soldiers, saying he was being honoured. A minister, going about with a contingent of soldiers.
“So when the thing was announced on Tuesday, we were not surprised because he has found a loose cannon.A man who has no respect for authorities, who believes in his own self. That’s why he’s doing what he’s doing. It’s unfortunate for us that our President has not brought him to book.”
He accused the President and the ruling party of working to capture River State.
Also, a former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, faulted Tinubu’s action, describing it as a ‘power grab.’
The senator representing Bayelsa West also vowed to mobilise his colleagues to ensure that the President doesn’t get the needed support to validate his action in Rivers.
Dickson disclosed this in an interview with selected journalists in Abuja.
He said, “It is unconstitutional. Most people see this as a power grab. Is there a constitutional provision mandating the president to declare a state of emergency? Yes, but you’ve got to scrutinise it and see whether it comes under that general provision. Even when you come to that conclusion, does that justify the removal of elected officials? No!
“You can’t talk about anything emergency unless you have a minimum of 73 senators sitting and 240 members of the House of Representatives present. And you must do that in two days. Otherwise, everything goes back to square one. So you see, I don’t know the kind of advice the President has.
“I’m not in a position to speculate about the numbers. The leadership knows best, but mine is to be available and network with my colleagues. Those of us who don’t believe in it are quite large in number. I am talking about senior ranking members who, in the protection of democratic rights created by the constitution, will say no to it.”
Also, the lawmaker representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere at the National Assembly, likened Tinubu’s emergency declaration in Rivers as akin to asking the military to take over an elected government.
He said, “The governor should head to the courts. I am not going to speak for him, but some of us believe this should also be tested in court; it should also be resisted. Even with a gun to my head, I will not vote in support of that. Where does this leave us as lawmakers?”
NLC, TUC tackle FG
Weighing in, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria strongly condemned the emergency rule, describing it as “an assault on democracy.”
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo, denounced the President’s action as “hasty and unconstitutional,” violating Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
“This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law,” the statement read.
“No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President,” it added.
The labour unions argued that the suspension or removal of the governor, deputy governor, and the state House of Assembly members was unlawful and set a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.
“We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.
“Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency,” the unions warned.
CSOs fault Tinubu
The Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, described the development as “a setback for the rule of law,” noting that the authorities must ensure that the situation did not become a reason to deprive the people of their rights.
“The Nigerian authorities must uphold human rights in Rivers State and ensure that the emergency does not become a cause or reason to deprive people of their rights.
“The suspension of democratic institutions is a setback for the rule of law. There must be safeguards for people’s rights,” he said.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, Emmanuel Onwubiko, rejected Fubara’s suspension, likening the development to the military coups that occurred in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
“This unconstitutional takeover of another branch of government in Rivers State under Governor Siminalayi Fubara by an elected civilian President and his grotesque, nebulous and sham decision to bring back a retired Naval Chief to exercise the same powers of an elected governor is a calculated attempt to establish a dictatorship,” Onwubiko said in a statement.
The Coalition of Northern Groups, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, cautioned the President to tread carefully.
“Instead of allowing Wike’s rhetoric to dictate policy, Tinubu should focus on fostering unity and addressing the underlying grievances that fuel discontent.
“By doing so, he can reinforce his leadership while mitigating the risk of exacerbating tensions,” the group noted.
AGF defends President
Addressing the concerns over the emergency rule, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described it as a “clear signal” to other crisis-ridden states that the Federal Government will not tolerate breaches of the Constitution.
Fagbemi said the President took a “bold decision” to stop the state from “complete collapse,” stressing that Fubara would have been impeached if not for the presidential intervention.
“Let the signal be sent for those who want to foment trouble,” the AGF said when he briefed State House correspondents at an emergency edition of ‘Meet the Press’, organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.
The minister further explained that the President’s intervention was unavoidable, given the constitutional breaches in Rivers, including the demolition of the state House of Assembly and Fubara’s failure to deter militants from vandalising oil pipelines.
“The action of the President is the effect of a fundamental cause, and you cannot be treating the effect in order to cure the cause. What was the cause? The governor and members of the House of Assembly. So, you have to behave responsibly, and you must have the gut,” he stated.
Fagbemi recalled that the Supreme Court had made “very profound findings of breaches of the Constitution,” noting especially that the court described the Rivers State governor as having acted “like a despot,” effectively leaving the state with “no government.”
He explained that Tinubu had explored multiple avenues with other well-meaning Nigerians and thought leaders to resolve the crisis in Rivers before resorting to a state of emergency.
Fagbemi argued that with the nation almost reliant on crude oil, anyone ‘touching’ the pipeline is not only an enemy of Rivers but Nigeria.
“Don’t forget that before now, Nigeria was producing about 900,000 barrels of crude oil per day. With the efforts of the President, he ensured that the production rose to about 1.15 million litres of barrels per day.
“That’s about a 45 per cent increase. Governors were smiling home at the end of the month with about a 60 per cent increase in their take home to various states.
“Then somebody rose or encouraged or became inactive when he was supposed to act. There was not a word dissuading the militants who issued this threat.
“In today’s Nigeria, we still rely largely on oil. Anyone who touches these pipelines is not only an enemy of Rivers; he is the enemy of Nigeria.
“All Nigerians in all 36 states share what comes in from the production of this oil. And I believe that the decision of Mr President is anchored on the decision of the Supreme Court alert,” he added.
The AGF also dismissed suggestions that Wike had a hand in the crisis.
“Where do you put the Minister of FCT in this case? Was he the one who asked for the demolition of the House of Assembly?
“Was he the one who said the governor should not present his budget to the House of Assembly?
“Was he the one who advised the governor not to go through the House of Assembly for purposes of ratifying the commissioner nominees? I don’t know,” Fagbemi said.
(Punch)
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