According to Vanguard, The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state, citing a breakdown in law and order. The call comes after violence erupted in various local government areas, with armed men invading council secretariats, leading to injuries, deaths, and destruction of property.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has denied the existence of any crisis, claiming that the state is peaceful. However, the APC insists that the situation is dire, with the potential to affect the national economy. The crisis stems from a political dispute between Fubara and former Speaker Martins Amaewhule over the tenure extension of local government chairmen.
The Rivers State High Court has voided the tenure extension, declaring it inconsistent with the 1999 constitution. The Court of Appeal has reserved its judgment in the case. The situation remains volatile, with all parties awaiting the outcome of the legal battle.