The Federal Government has deployed 10,000 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel to curb further attacks on oil pipelines against the backdrop of the blasts at oil installations in Rivers State between Sunday and Tuesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the deployment of anti-vandal operatives to The PUNCH on Wednesday, stating that the operatives were tasked with protecting critical infrastructure and preventing pipeline vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe NSCDC hereby warns against destruction and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure across the Niger Delta as over 10,000 operatives have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to provide adequate peace and security of lives and property,\u201d Babawale said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This came as the opposition lawmakers and Organised Labour protested the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tinubu in a national broadcast on Tuesday announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu and the state assembly members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also nominated Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the state\u2019s sole administrator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ibas, who was sworn in at the Aso Villa on Wednesday, will administer the state for an initial period of six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before the declaration of the emergency rule, the political atmosphere in the state was charged, leading to three explosions within two days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The explosions followed threats by Ijaw groups against the push to impeach Fubara, as they vowed to disrupt oil production and cripple the economy if lawmakers removed the governor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Monday, the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, listed 19 infractions committed by Fubara in a misconduct notice, setting the stage for his impeachment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before the notice was served on both the governor and his deputy, there was an explosion on Sunday at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Security agents on Wednesday recovered a corpse at the scene of the explosion, while a suspect was arrested in connection with the blast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An official said the suspect was arrested following credible intelligence from Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited\u2019s covert team operating in Aluu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PINL staff member, who gave his name simply as Ebikeme, said, \u201cOn Sunday the 16th day of March 2025, there was a blast on the TNP Pipeline Right of Way in Aluu \u2013 Zone 5 and a suspected vandal was found dead at the site of the incident from the effects of the blast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUpon further investigation, a suspected vandal was apprehended in connection with the incident. The suspect is currently in the custody of the Nigeria Police while further investigation is being carried out to nab all the perpetrators.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking on the deployment of 10,000 armed personnel of the NSCDC to curb pipeline vandalism, Babawale said the commands nationwide are on high alert to protect the nation\u2019s vital assets, particularly in the Niger Delta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Babawale stated, \u201cThe Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has a statutory mandate as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn this regard, the corps across the federation have placed the commands and formations on red alert to forestall all acts of economic sabotage, pipeline vandalism and destruction of government utilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHowever, it is a notable fact that no security agency has the monopoly of strategies in tackling crime and criminalities, hence the NSCDC is working in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the protection of lives and property.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More soldiers deployed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On Wednesday,Governor Fubara moved out of the Government House in Port Harcourt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The governor\u2019s destination could not be confirmed. It was unclear if he retired to his private residence in Port Harcourt or his hometown in Opobo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, more soldiers were seen in patrol vans trooping into the Government House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of our correspondents observed three Armoured Personnel Carriers at the entrance of the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, the movement of persons and vehicles into the Government House was being subjected to heavy security scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An aide to Fubara who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that the soldiers were occupying the Government House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He stated, \u201cAs I speak with you, more soldiers are entering the Government House. This afternoon, over 15 came in. They are believed to be an advanced team of the Sole Administrator who is still expected to resume duties. This evening, some more soldiers came in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The aide could not account for his principal\u2019s whereabouts as of the time of filing this report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n N\u2019Assembly debates today<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The National Assembly has slated today to debate the legality of the emergency rule declared in Rivers State by the President.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Senate and House of Representatives shifted the debate to today amidst a groundswell of opposition to the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On Wednesday, House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, announced that the President had transmitted a letter to the National Assembly on the Rivers State crisis, saying that it would be read on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That was, however, not to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was an earlier indication that the plenary could be rowdy when two female lawmakers, Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers) and Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) traded uncomplimentary words over the constitutionality or otherwise of the President\u2019s decision to suspend democratic structures in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It took the intervention of some members to restore order in the hallowed chamber, even as Ebonyi lawmaker, Kama Nkemkanma, was seen banging a table, claiming that, \u201cNothing will happen here today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some legislators were seen conversing in low tones over the development in the South-South state as they awaited the commencement of plenary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the approval of the votes and proceedings of the previous legislative day, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary in the absence of the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, called for the submission of petitions, an indication that the letter from the President would not be read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, after taking petitions and motions of urgent public importance, the charged atmosphere became calm as it was evident that the issue of emergency rule in Rivers State would not come up for mention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The deputy spokesman of the House, Phillip Agbese (APC, Benue), said the House would only make its decision known after Mr President\u2019s letter has been read and debated by members on the floor of the Green Chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He noted, \u201cThe letter from the President has not been debated and the parliament has not taken any decision. There is nothing we can do about it for now until it is debated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor us as a parliament, it is still the same way that Nigerians have seen it on the pages of newspapers even though the leadership of the parliament was invited. But officially, Mr Speaker has not communicated that to the floor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n At least 73 senators and 240 members of the House must vote in support of the emergency rule at the sittings of the lawmakers today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ibas sworn in<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tinubu, on Wednesday, swore in the sole administrator for Rivers State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The AGF, Fagbemi; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Principal Private Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga and others witnessed the short ceremony at the State House, Abuja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Born on September 27, 1960, Ibas was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy in 1983 and held various command positions until President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him the Chief of Naval Staff in August 2015.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He was retired when Buhari replaced his service chiefs in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After retirement from service, Buhari appointed him the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, where he served between 2021 and 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking with State House correspondents, Ibas pledged to prioritise peace, security, and stability in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He stressed the need to restore law and order as the foundation for any meaningful governance and development in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFirst of all, I think we know the circumstances that led to where we are here,\u201d he said, denoting the events that led to his appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ibas said the primary mandate of his administration was to work with all stakeholders to ensure stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMr President made it very clear in his broadcast. If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The retired naval chief affirmed that his administration would collaborate with relevant authorities and the people of Rivers State to restore peace and ensure effective governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018Presidential declaration unconstitutional\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The anger over the suspension of democratic structures in Rivers State continued to grow on Wednesday, with the opposition and Labour kicking against the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Peoples Democratic Party has berated President Tinubu and insisted that Fubara remained the Governor of Rivers State despite the declaration of a state of emergency and his suspension by the President.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, stated that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant President Tinubu the authority to declare a state of emergency or suspend a governor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ologunagba stated, \u201cWhat President Tinubu is attempting to do is to suspend the 1999 Constitution, overturn a democratic government and foist an undemocratic regime in Nigeria in gross violation of Sections 1 (2), 14(2)(a), 180, 217(2)(b) (c) and 305 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSection 180 of the 1999 Constitution is clear on the tenure of a state governor, which is prescribed as four years commencing from the date of the swearing-in. The only means provided for in the Constitution for the abridgment of the tenure of a governor is death, resignation, incapacitation or impeachment and not by suspension by the President.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The PDP urged the National Assembly to exercise its legislative authority to address this constitutional violation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ologunagba emphasised the importance of maintaining calm and reiterated its unwavering support for Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On his part, PDP South-South Caretaker Committee Chairman, Emma Ogidi, accused President Tinubu of focusing solely on Fubara while overlooking the involvement of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike, in escalating the Rivers crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He stated, \u201cMr President, all through his speech, he blamed the governor for everything, but what happens to the chief investigator? No mention was made of the FCT Minister, his own minister, who we all know is the chief investigator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe has had several press briefings, has assaulted elders, has assaulted the Ijaw nation. Only last Saturday, he went to Abulama. He went with a contingent of soldiers, saying he was being honoured. A minister, going about with a contingent of soldiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo when the thing was announced on Tuesday, we were not surprised because he has found a loose cannon.A man who has no respect for authorities, who believes in his own self. That\u2019s why he\u2019s doing what he\u2019s doing. It\u2019s unfortunate for us that our President has not brought him to book.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He accused the President and the ruling party of working to capture River State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, a former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, faulted Tinubu\u2019s action, describing it as a \u2018power grab.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n The senator representing Bayelsa West also vowed to mobilise his colleagues to ensure that the President doesn\u2019t get the needed support to validate his action in Rivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dickson disclosed this in an interview with selected journalists in Abuja.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said, \u201cIt is unconstitutional. Most people see this as a power grab. Is there a constitutional provision mandating the president to declare a state of emergency? Yes, but you\u2019ve got to scrutinise it and see whether it comes under that general provision. Even when you come to that conclusion, does that justify the removal of elected officials? No!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou can\u2019t talk about anything emergency unless you have a minimum of 73 senators sitting and 240 members of the House of Representatives present. And you must do that in two days. Otherwise, everything goes back to square one. So you see, I don\u2019t know the kind of advice the President has.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m not in a position to speculate about the numbers. The leadership knows best, but mine is to be available and network with my colleagues. Those of us who don\u2019t believe in it are quite large in number. I am talking about senior ranking members who, in the protection of democratic rights created by the constitution, will say no to it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, the lawmaker representing Ideato North\/Ideato South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere at the National Assembly, likened Tinubu\u2019s emergency declaration in Rivers as akin to asking the military to take over an elected government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said, \u201cThe governor should head to the courts. I am not going to speak for him, but some of us believe this should also be tested in court; it should also be resisted. Even with a gun to my head, I will not vote in support of that. Where does this leave us as lawmakers?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n NLC, TUC tackle FG<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Weighing in, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria strongly condemned the emergency rule, describing it as \u201can assault on democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a joint statement on Wednesday, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo, denounced the President\u2019s action as \u201chasty and unconstitutional,\u201d violating Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The labour unions argued that the suspension or removal of the governor, deputy governor, and the state House of Assembly members was unlawful and set a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNigeria\u2019s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency,\u201d the unions warned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CSOs fault Tinubu<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, described the development as \u201ca setback for the rule of law,\u201d noting that the authorities must ensure that the situation did not become a reason to deprive the people of their rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Nigerian authorities must uphold human rights in Rivers State and ensure that the emergency does not become a cause or reason to deprive people of their rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe suspension of democratic institutions is a setback for the rule of law. There must be safeguards for people\u2019s rights,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, Emmanuel Onwubiko, rejected Fubara\u2019s suspension, likening the development to the military coups that occurred in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis unconstitutional takeover of another branch of government in Rivers State under Governor Siminalayi Fubara by an elected civilian President and his grotesque, nebulous and sham decision to bring back a retired Naval Chief to exercise the same powers of an elected governor is a calculated attempt to establish a dictatorship,\u201d Onwubiko said in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Coalition of Northern Groups, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, cautioned the President to tread carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cInstead of allowing Wike\u2019s rhetoric to dictate policy, Tinubu should focus on fostering unity and addressing the underlying grievances that fuel discontent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy doing so, he can reinforce his leadership while mitigating the risk of exacerbating tensions,\u201d the group noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AGF defends President<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Addressing the concerns over the emergency rule, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described it as a \u201cclear signal\u201d to other crisis-ridden states that the Federal Government will not tolerate breaches of the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fagbemi said the President took a \u201cbold decision\u201d to stop the state from \u201ccomplete collapse,\u201d stressing that Fubara would have been impeached if not for the presidential intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLet the signal be sent for those who want to foment trouble,\u201d the AGF said when he briefed State House correspondents at an emergency edition of \u2018Meet the Press\u2019, organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The minister further explained that the President\u2019s intervention was unavoidable, given the constitutional breaches in Rivers, including the demolition of the state House of Assembly and Fubara\u2019s failure to deter militants from vandalising oil pipelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe action of the President is the effect of a fundamental cause, and you cannot be treating the effect in order to cure the cause. What was the cause? The governor and members of the House of Assembly. So, you have to behave responsibly, and you must have the gut,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fagbemi recalled that the Supreme Court had made \u201cvery profound findings of breaches of the Constitution,\u201d noting especially that the court described the Rivers State governor as having acted \u201clike a despot,\u201d effectively leaving the state with \u201cno government.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He explained that Tinubu had explored multiple avenues with other well-meaning Nigerians and thought leaders to resolve the crisis in Rivers before resorting to a state of emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fagbemi argued that with the nation almost reliant on crude oil, anyone \u2018touching\u2019 the pipeline is not only an enemy of Rivers but Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t forget that before now, Nigeria was producing about 900,000 barrels of crude oil per day. With the efforts of the President, he ensured that the production rose to about 1.15 million litres of barrels per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s about a 45 per cent increase. Governors were smiling home at the end of the month with about a 60 per cent increase in their take home to various states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThen somebody rose or encouraged or became inactive when he was supposed to act. There was not a word dissuading the militants who issued this threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn today\u2019s Nigeria, we still rely largely on oil. Anyone who touches these pipelines is not only an enemy of Rivers; he is the enemy of Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll Nigerians in all 36 states share what comes in from the production of this oil. And I believe that the decision of Mr President is anchored on the decision of the Supreme Court alert,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The AGF also dismissed suggestions that Wike had a hand in the crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhere do you put the Minister of FCT in this case? Was he the one who asked for the demolition of the House of Assembly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWas he the one who said the governor should not present his budget to the House of Assembly?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWas he the one who advised the governor not to go through the House of Assembly for purposes of ratifying the commissioner nominees? I don\u2019t know,\u201d Fagbemi said.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Federal Government has deployed 10,000 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel to curb further attacks on oil pipelines against the backdrop of the blasts at oil installations in<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14355,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_rishi_post_view_count":110},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14354","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","rishi-post"],"rishi__cb_customizer_meta":"","comments_count":"0","yoast_head":"\n