FG Deploys 10,000 NSCDC Personnel Amid Rivers Crisis, Lawmakers and Labour Unions Reject Emergency Rule

Security Reinforced as Tensions Rise Over Rivers State Emergency Rule

The Federal Government has deployed 10,000 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel to protect oil pipelines and critical infrastructure following recent explosions at oil installations in Rivers State.

NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale confirmed the deployment on Wednesday, stating that the operatives were tasked with curbing pipeline vandalism and preventing further sabotage in the Niger Delta region.

“The NSCDC hereby warns against destruction and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure across the Niger Delta. Over 10,000 operatives have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure peace and security,” Babawale said.

The deployment follows the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly. The President also appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the state’s sole administrator for an initial six-month period.

Osun Government, PDP Reject APC’s Call For Emergency Rule

Political Unrest Escalates in Rivers State

The political tension in Rivers State worsened after the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, served Fubara an impeachment notice citing 19 infractions.

Shortly before this, three explosions rocked oil installations in the state, sparking fears of politically motivated violence. On Sunday, a blast occurred at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, leading to the death of a suspected vandal. Security agents arrested a suspect linked to the incident, who is now in police custody.

On Wednesday, additional military personnel were deployed to Government House, Port Harcourt, as Governor Fubara vacated the premises. Witnesses reported the presence of three Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) at the entrance, heightening security concerns.

National Assembly to Debate Legality of Emergency Rule

The National Assembly has scheduled a debate today to discuss the constitutionality of Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration in Rivers State.

House of Representatives spokesperson Akin Rotimi confirmed that the President had sent a letter regarding the crisis. However, the letter was not read on the floor of the House on Wednesday, leading to speculations of intense deliberations among lawmakers.

A heated exchange reportedly occurred between Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers) and Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) over the legality of suspending an elected governor. Other lawmakers expressed frustration, with some threatening to oppose the emergency rule unless proper constitutional procedures were followed.

“The letter from the President has not been debated, and the parliament has not taken any decision,” said Philip Agbese (APC, Benue).

For emergency rule to take effect, at least 73 senators and 240 House of Representatives members must approve the President’s action.

Opposition, Labour Unions Reject Tinubu’s Action

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have condemned the President’s move, calling it a threat to democracy.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that the 1999 Constitution does not grant Tinubu the authority to suspend a governor.

“What President Tinubu is attempting to do is to suspend the Constitution, overturn a democratic government, and impose an undemocratic regime,” Ologunagba said.

He insisted that Governor Fubara remains the legitimate leader of Rivers State, as his removal violates Sections 1(2), 14(2)(a), 180, and 305 (2) of the Constitution.

The NLC and TUC also rejected the decision, describing it as an assault on democracy.

“This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law,” the unions stated.

They warned that removing elected officials through presidential orders would set a dangerous precedent and threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.

CSOs and Amnesty International Condemn Emergency Rule

Amnesty International Nigeria and several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have criticized the suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers State.

Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, described the action as a “setback for the rule of law”, urging authorities to ensure that human rights are not violated under emergency rule.

Similarly, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) likened the move to military coups in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, warning against dictatorship.

Attorney-General Defends Tinubu’s Decision

Meanwhile, Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), defended the President’s action, calling it a “bold decision to prevent the collapse of Rivers State”.

“The decision was necessary to restore law and order. If the militants succeeded in their threats, Nigeria’s oil production would be crippled, affecting the entire economy,” Fagbemi stated.

He dismissed claims that Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was involved in escalating the crisis, arguing that Governor Fubara’s actions led to the instability.

“Was Wike the one who demolished the State House of Assembly? Did he tell Fubara to disregard the legislature in passing the state budget?” Fagbemi asked.

What’s Next?

With the National Assembly set to debate the legality of emergency rule, Nigeria is at a critical political crossroads. If lawmakers reject Tinubu’s move, it could trigger a constitutional crisis and force the President to reconsider his actions.

However, if the emergency rule is upheld, Fubara’s suspension could set a precedent for future political interventions in Nigerian states.

For now, the security deployment in Rivers State signals that the Federal Government is determined to maintain control amid rising opposition. Whether this approach will restore stability or further divide the nation remains to be seen.