Nigeria, March 19 -- President Bola Tinubu has come under intense backlash following his decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly.

Addressing the political turmoil in the state during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, President Tinubu announced that the suspension would last for a period of six months, during which time Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) would be appointed Administrator to superintend over the affairs of state.

Tinubu's decision followed a protracted political dispute involving Governor Fubara against his predecessor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, ...