State of Emergency in Rivers: Defence Ministry assures that the Military is ‘fully prepared’

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a necessary step to restore order amid escalating political tensions.

On Tuesday, the political crisis in Rivers took a dramatic turn when President Tinubu announced the emergency order, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state legislature. The move follows months of fierce power struggles between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over control of the state’s political machinery.

In a statement released on Wednesday by his Director of Information and Public Relations, Iyogun Sunday, Minister Matawalle assured Nigerians that the military is on high alert to protect government infrastructure and maintain public safety. He warned that any attempt to attack state facilities or incite unrest would be met with a firm response from security forces.

“The Nigerian Military is fully prepared to safeguard government infrastructure and ensure the security of citizens,” the statement read.

Matawalle further highlighted the urgency of the situation, citing the prolonged political deadlock and the absence of a functioning legislature in the state. He pointed to Governor Fubara’s controversial demolition of the House of Assembly, which has left Rivers State without an active legislative body for over fourteen months.

The Minister referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the necessity of a functioning legislature, condemning Fubara’s actions as unconstitutional. The court’s findings, he emphasized, make it imperative to restore democratic governance in the state without further delay.

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“The destruction of the House of Assembly has deepened the crisis, making it impossible for the government to function effectively,” Matawalle said.

Expressing concern over reports of vandalism and growing threats from militant groups, the Defence Minister underscored the need for collective efforts to stabilize Rivers State. He reiterated that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Matawalle assured that the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces would remain resolute in their mission to uphold national security and restore peace, stability, and democratic governance in Rivers State.