The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reassured the public that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will lift the state of emergency in Rivers State as soon as stability and order are fully restored.
Speaking in an interview, Idris emphasized that the President is committed to reinstating democratic governance in the state at the earliest possible time.
Addressing concerns about federal interference, Idris clarified that President Tinubu has no intention of assuming control over the state’s administration or appointing a new governor.
“The President has no plan to govern Rivers State or appoint a governor. His intervention was solely aimed at restoring order and preventing further deterioration of governance,” he stated.
The Minister explained that the decision to declare a state of emergency was not taken lightly. According to him, the breakdown in governance—marked by a dysfunctional House of Assembly and challenges in the executive arm—made it necessary for the federal government to intervene.
“A functioning democracy requires all three arms of government to work effectively. When one branch is paralyzed, governance suffers. That was the situation in Rivers State, and the President had to act within his constitutional powers,” Idris explained.
He further noted that Nigeria’s constitution allows for such measures to be taken in exceptional cases where stability is at risk.
The Minister reassured that the state of emergency would only last as long as needed to restore normalcy.
“The President will not extend the emergency rule longer than necessary. Once stability is achieved, democratic governance will be fully restored,” Idris affirmed.
As efforts continue to resolve the crisis in Rivers State, stakeholders remain hopeful that the intervention will pave the way for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of full democratic functions in the state.
