Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, deputy governor, and all state lawmakers. The decision, announced in a televised address on Tuesday, follows reports of escalating security concerns, including pipeline vandalism by militants.

Tinubu stated that he had received alarming security reports over the past two days, highlighting incidents of sabotage targeting oil infrastructure. He criticized the state leadership for failing to address the situation, emphasizing that no responsible president could ignore such threats.

Earlier, police launched an investigation into an explosion on the Trans Niger Pipeline, a vital route for transporting crude oil to the Bonny export terminal. The region, a key contributor to Nigeria’s oil production, has a history of militant attacks on pipelines, which have disrupted production and exports.

The political landscape in Rivers State has also been tense, with factions within the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) clashing and state lawmakers threatening to impeach the governor and his deputy.

Under the emergency measures, the federal government now has authority to manage the state's affairs and deploy security forces if necessary. Tinubu has appointed a retired vice admiral as caretaker to oversee governance in Rivers State for an initial six-month period.

The president confirmed that his proclamation had been submitted to the National Assembly for approval. He also reassured that the judiciary in Rivers State would continue to function as usual, unaffected by the emergency declaration.

The situation in Rivers State remains critical, with both security and political stability at stake.